Six significant pou created by the late master carver Hugh Tareha have been restored by local Toi Māori practitioner Nathan Foote, marking a poignant moment in Hawke’s Bay’s cultural landscape. These pou, crafted from what Tareha affectionately called “Canadian kauri” – believed to be cedar – represent some of the final works by the renowned Māori artist who passed away suddenly in May 2022 at the age of 63.

The timber used for these pou has an interesting journey of its own. The wood originally traveled from North America as support beams for machinery ordered by PanPac, who later gifted the materials to Tareha for his artistic work. After completion of the restoration work, these pou are now ready for reinstallation at their designated sites.

Hugh Tareha, born around 1961 and a descendant of paramount Ahuriri chief Tareha Te Moananui, began his carving journey in the 1980s. As a member of the Ngāti Parau iwi, he became known for his ability to blend spiritual concepts with physical form in his artwork. His impressive portfolio includes numerous works that have become landmarks across Hawke’s Bay, including distinctive figures carved from tree stumps beside State Highway 50 at Waiohiki golf course, where he was based as a resident artist at Waiohiki Creative Arts Village.

Throughout his career, Tareha created works that captured the attention of both locals and international visitors, including legendary American rock guitarist Joe Walsh of The Eagles. Despite his renowned status, Tareha was known for his humble nature. As his brother-in-law Denis O’Reilly poetically described him, “He had the calloused hands of a carver, and diamonds on the soles of his shoes.”

A Legacy at Ahuriri Estuary

Tareha’s connection to Te Whanganui-a-Orotū (Ahuriri Estuary) runs deep through his artistic and cultural work. For over 20 years, several pou originally carved by Tareha and installed in partnership with the Department of Conservation have stood sentinel around the estuary. However, the harsh estuarine environment has taken its toll on these guardians, leading to a proposal for their replacement.

Before his passing, Tareha, along with kaumātua of Ngāti Pārau Hapū, had been working with the Department of Conservation to create six replacement pou. These new works were to be based on the traditional moteatea composed by Tamatea Pokaiwhenua and Kahungunu, specifically “Te Pepeha o Tamatea Pokaiwhenua,” which celebrates the abundant and diverse foods that flourished in and around the Ahuriri estuary in the 1400s.

The proposed six pou represented the traditional foods mentioned in the ancient chant:

• Karoro (Sea Gull)
• Patiki (Flounder)
• Pāua (Pāua)
• Pūpū (Cats eye)
• Kiore (Rat)
• Aruhe (Fern Root)

This concept reflected Tareha’s deep understanding that Te Whanganui-a-Orotū was traditionally known as the food basket of the region, celebrated for its abundance and variety of sustenance.

The Restoration Project

The restoration work was undertaken by Nathan Foote, a master carver in his own right, who brings 20 years of experience to the project. Foote, trained at the prestigious New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua, has created notable works including pou at Atea a Rangi and Frimley School, as well as contributions to Te Whare Te Manukura at Taikura Rudolf Steiner.

These pou hold particular significance as they are among the last works completed by Tareha before his unexpected passing, which occurred shortly after a salsa practice in Napier. Their installation will serve as a lasting testament to Tareha’s legacy, joining his other celebrated works that include sculptures at Ahuriri Estuary and West Quay, installations at the EIT Otatara campus, carvings at Waiohiki and Pukemokimoki marae, and the distinctive waharoa at Napier Port’s kororā sanctuary.

The completion of these pou by Foote ensures that Tareha’s vision for honouring the cultural and ecological heritage of Te Whanganui-a-Orotū will continue to educate and inspire future generations, while his artistic legacy remains deeply embedded in the landscape he knew and loved so well.

Installation Sites

The six restored pou will be installed at two significant locations around the Ahuriri Estuary, with three pou at each site. The Humber Street site, which receives the most visitor traffic, will feature:

• Te Karoro tangi tararau mai I runga o Tapu Te Ranga (Sea Gull) – The tallest pou positioned at the back
• Te Patiki tahanui o Otiere e (Flounder) – The middle-sized pou positioned slightly forward
• Te Paua patoto mai I runga o Tuhinga (Pāua) – The smallest pou at the front

The West Quay site will house the remaining three pou:

• Te Pupu tangi mai I runga o Matakarohirohi (Cats eye) – The tallest
• Te Kiore pekenui o Rimariki (Rat) – The middle-sized
• Te aruhe maomaonui o Pukekohu (Fern Root) – The smallest

This thoughtful arrangement ensures that the ancient moteatea of Tamatea Pokaiwhenua and Kahungunu continues to tell its story of abundance and cultural heritage to all who visit these sacred sites along Te Whanganui-a-Orotū.

With Hawke’s Bay experiencing extreme heat conditions (temperatures reaching 30-33°C) and Level 3 water restrictions in place, we wanted to highlight some essential safety information for our members during the Christmas period and summer months ahead.  

EMERGENCY CONTACTS 

Fire Emergency: 111 Police Emergency: 111 Medical Emergency: 111 Healthline (24/7): 0800 611 116 Poison Centre: 0800 764 766 HBRC Pollution Hotline: 0800 108 838 Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797 Water Safety Issues: Contact local council 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

Regional Contacts 

• Hawke’s Bay Regional Council: www.hbrc.govt.nz 

• Hastings District Council: www.hastingsdc.govt.nz 

• Napier City Council: www.napier.govt.nz 

• Central Hawke’s Bay District Council: www.chbdc.govt.nz 

National Resources 

• Fire & Emergency NZ: www.fireandemergency.nz 

• Check fire permits: www.checkitsalright.nz 

• Civil Defence Get Ready: www.getready.govt.nz 

• Water Safety NZ: www.watersafetynz.org 

• NZ Food Safety: www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home 

• NZ Transport Agency: www.nzta.govt.nz 

• MetService Weather: www.metservice.com 

• Health NZ: www.health.govt.nz 

Weather Information 

• MetService: www.metservice.com 

• NIWA: www.niwa.co.nz 

• HBRC Weather: www.hbrc.govt.nz/environment/climate/weather 

#HawkesBaySummer #StaySafeHB #WaterWiseHB #FireSafeNZ #BeachSafetyNZ #SummerReadyNZ #HeatSafetyNZ #DrinkResponsibly #ArriveAliveNZ #HawkesBayLife 

Keep our Hawke’s Bay community safe and healthy throughout the summer season. Please share these important messages with your family, friends and neighbours. Let’s look after each other and enjoy a safe summer! 

For more information or to report concerns, contact your local council or the relevant emergency services. 

We’re looking ahead to an exciting year! Our housing developments continue to progress, and throughout 2026 we expect to move closer to welcoming whānau into warm, safe whare.

To help you prepare for these opportunities, Mana Ahuriri and Tamatea Pōkai Whenua have partnered with Ka Uruora – a PSGE and iwi-led kaupapa that will support you to build financial confidence and move toward your housing goals.

Together, we’ve created opportunities for you to take part in Te Uru Ahupūtea, our financial literacy course. These courses are the first step in accessing future housing opportunities, and they’re free, supportive, and open to all our registered members.

To register your interest or learn more about the courses above register here Financial Education – Ka Uruora.

We encourage you to come along, get the right support around you, and start preparing for the opportunities coming in 2026. Keep an eye out on our channels for more information over the coming weeks. 

E mihi kau ana, 

Mana Ahuriri and Tamatea Pōkai Whenua

Congratulations to all candidates for Hawke’s Bay Regional Council this year. Information and videos on candidates can be found below. 

Ahuriri-Napier General Constituency Candidates

The biggest questions facing Hawke’s Bay currently are water, and trust in our councils. We either have too much, or not enough. The future of our stopbanks should be looked at in a pragmatic manner based on how much risk we are prepared to accept. Water security is critical for the economic future of Hawke’s Bay.

Whilst water storage sounds like the solution to all our problems we should also be taking a serious look at water conservation. Having previously served a term on HBRC I have the experience to look at issues with a critical eye and know how the system works.

I describe myself as a pragmatic environmentalist and appreciate that the solutions to the challenges that confront us are going to take time to resolve and cost money. It is important that we get value out of every dollar spent.

See bailey4hbrc on facebook for more details.

I’m standing to protect what matters most to us: our communities, our environment, and the future we’re shaping together.

Our region faces big challenges, including climate adaptation, coastal hazards, flooding, and how we live safely alongside our rivers. As a Napier City Councillor serving on regional committees, I’ve brought my engineering background to help navigate these complex issues.

There are no quick fixes, but practical, responsive leadership makes progress possible. We need leaders who are honest about the challenges, understand the risks, and are committed to helping communities prepare, not just react.

Strong leadership also means facing what’s gone wrong, listening with humility, and staying focused on the solutions that move us forward. That is the approach I bring: collaborative, grounded, and mana-enhancing.

I’m ready to represent Napier at a regional level with clarity, courage, and love for our people, our place, and future generations.

www.linkedin.com/in/hayleybrownefornapier

Chartered Engineer, Environmental Hearings Commissioner, Local Community Leader.

I am standing because I care deeply about Napier, our people, land, and future. Over the past decade, I have fast tracked climate resilience across New Zealand. However, this is not just about experience; it is about action. Some have served for years, ask what they have delivered. I offer action where delays have cost our communities.

I live in Napier with my family and have listened to residents concerned about floods, water quality, and coastal erosion. Yet, delays persist; rates are rising while services decline; transport costs are up 48%, while buses are cut; 35% of aquifers exceed nitrate limits; and erosion action is delayed until 2030.

Treasury forecasts $500 million in flood damage, ESR warns of 10,000 health cases, and Business predicts 150 closures. I will act now in collaboration to deliver infrastructure that safeguards our people, land, and future.

Neil Kirton has been a very effective voice for Napier. He has been tireless in focusing the council’s attention on the threat of flooding and has demanded urgent action to improve flood protection and civil defence capability for the city. Cyclone Gabrielle proved his concerns well founded. We cannot keep building houses in high flood risk zones.

Neil has a post-graduate science degree. He is a justice of the peace and a former member of parliament, having served as the Minister of Customs and Associate Minister of Health. He was responsible for introducing free healthcare for children under six. Neil is a director on the council’s investment company HBRIC, with over $400million of council assets under management, including Napier Port and Foodeast.

As a regional councillor, HB Today described Neil as outspoken and constantly thinking about how the council is spending ratepayers money and its responsibility to the public.

Phone:  027 28 66 200
Email: ndkirton@gmail.com

Hinewai Ormsby is passionate about Napier and the people who call it home.

A proud local ratepayer, small business owner, and mum, she understands the pressures families face and works hard to make life better for our community.

As Chair of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Hinewai helped steer the region through Cyclone Gabrielle. Critical upgrades like the Taradale stopbank proved life-saving, and now she’s focused on accelerating flood protection in vulnerable areas like Napier South and Te Awa — making sure every dollar of the $260 million fund delivers real results.

A former Napier Girls’ High student and teacher, Hinewai has served her community in the classroom and around the council table. She’s committed to smarter council spending—cutting waste, building resilience, and ensuring ratepayers see value.

Above all, she’s determined to secure clean, reliable water for every Napier resident, so everyone can have confidence in their future.

•  021 077 0088
•  hinewaiforhbrc@gmail.com

I live just 3km away in Eskdale, where I’m deeply connected to the Napier community. 

With over 22 years as a successful local business owner of Dale Carnegie Training, I bring proven leadership, commercial expertise, and a lifelong commitment to Hawke’s Bay. As a founding trustee of the Sensible Sentencing Trust, I’ve worked to influence law reform and champion victims’ rights. When Cyclone Gabrielle struck, I was immediately on the ground helping flood-stricken communities. I led public meetings to confront the looting crisis and have spent the past 2½ years advocating for victims, many who felt the HBRC response was worse than the disaster itself. This work reflects my inner strength and compassion for our people. I stood up when our region needed leadership, not silence. I’m here to overhaul the current council, drive real change, and use my experience to ensure our environment and economy thrive together.

For more information about the elections see here https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/local-elections/

Ka Uruora Te Matau-a-Māui is a brand new PSGE led Kaupapa of services,
support and affordable housing opportunities to help our iwi whānau
members achieve financial independence. We are excited to bring this
Kaupapa to Te Matau-a-Māui and are looking for a purpose driven person to
join our new Ka Uruora Team.

About the Role

• Based in Hawke’s Bay
• Full time with an initial 3-year fixed term
• Salary – $70k-85k
• Job/working flexibility

Who are we looking for?

• Someone who is passionate about supporting PSGE/iwi/Māori Kaupapa and whānau
• Someone who wants to make a real and positive impacts in our hapori and rohe
• Is values and purpose driven and loves working with whānau
• Has strong networks across Te Matau-a-Māui
• Is excited to support innovative, affordable and quality housing solutions for our communities
• Has high aspirations for Māori home ownership Tūranga – Primary Focus of the Role
• Promote and grow critical awareness for the Ka Uruora Te Matau-a-Māui programme of services
• Plan & deliver financial education workshops
• Provide one-on-one navigational support
• Assist whānau to implement financial goals and planning
• Support whānau to access housing opportunities
• Programme coordination and administration

Applications close 14 September 2025
Apply now – For more information or to view the job description, email support.tmm@kauruora.nz.

Tēnā koutou,   

The Mana Ahuriri Trust (the Trust) holds and administers the settlement assets on behalf of registered beneficiaries of the Trust.   

Call for Nominations 

The Trust is governed by 9 trustees 4 of whom must retire by rotation later this year. The Trust now invites nominations to fill those 4 vacancies. The retiring trustees can stand for re-election if they choose.   

If you or someone you know meets the eligibility criteria required to become a trustee and is keen to contribute to the future of the Mana Ahuriri Trust, you are encouraged to consider nomination and note the following dates and requirements.  

Nominations open on Friday 5 September and close at midday on Friday 26 September 2025. Nominations must be made on an official nomination form and must be signed by at least three other registered and verified adult members of the Trust.  Candidates must also submit a profile statement and photograph with their nomination form for dispatching with voting papers, should a voting process be required.   

If more than the required number of nominations are received, an election will be held by postal and internet voting. The Trust will duly confirm the voting period which is expected to open on Monday 20 October and close at 5pm Friday 21 November 2025.   

Eligibility Criteria 

Rule 2.2 of the second schedule of the Trust Deed lists the following 7 qualifying eligibility criteria:   

An Adult Member of Mana Ahuriri shall not be eligible for nomination as a candidate for election as a Trustee if he or she: 

1. is or has ever been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty as defined in section 2(1) of the Crimes Act 1961, or an offence under section 373(4) of the Companies Act 1993 (unless that person is an eligible individual for the purposes of the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004);  

1. (ii) is bankrupt nor has at the time of nomination made any composition or arrangement with his or her creditors;  

1. (iii) has been convicted of an indictable offence (unless that person is an eligible individual for the purposes of the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004);  

1. (iv) is subject to a compulsory treatment order under the Mental Health (Compulsory Treatment and Assessment) Act 1992 nor subject to a property order, personal order or welfare guardian order under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988;  

1. (v) has within the last three (3) years been removed from the office of Trustee in accordance with clause 23.5 of the Trust Deed;  

1. (vi) is prohibited from being an officer of any incorporated society under any statute: or  

1. (vii) is prohibited from being a director or taking part in the management of any incorporated or unincorporated body under the Companies Act 1993, the Securities Act 1978, the Securities Market Act 1988, or the Takeovers Act 1993 (or their successors).   

Call for Registrations 

The Trust also invites anyone who has not already done so, aged 18 years and over and with the appropriate whakapapa, to apply to be included on the Trust’s register.  The closing date for registrations for this election process is 5pm Thursday 6 November 2025. Registration applications received after this date will not be eligible to participate in the 2025 trustee election.  

Nomination packs and registration forms are available from the election helpline by phone to 0800 666 035 or email to iro@electionz.com. 

Ngā mihi.

Kia ora e te whānau,

It’s Election year in our rohe. You will be voting on a new mayor, new Māori Ward counsellors for the first time and for representatives for the Regional Council.  Following is a summary of what’s happening and what you need to do to have your say.

Essential Voter Information for Napier Local Elections 2025 

Key Dates to Remember 

• Maori Electoral option closes July 10, 2025 

• Voting documents delivery: September 9-22, 2025 

• Voting period: September 9 – October 11, 2025 

• Last day for postal votes: October 7, 2025 

• Election Day (voting closes): October 11, 2025 at 12 noon 

What You’re Voting For 

• Mayor of Napier (1 position) 

• City Councillors (11 positions across 4 wards) 

• Hawke’s Bay Regional Council representatives 

How to Vote 

1. Check you’re enrolled: Ensure your details are up-to-date at vote.nz 

2. Receive your voting papers: Delivered by mail between September 9-22 

3. Complete your ballot: Follow the instructions carefully 

4. Return your vote: By mail (before October 7) or at a secure ballot box (by October 11 at noon)

Ward Information

• Te Whanga Māori ward: 2 councillors (voters must be on the Māori roll) 

• Ahuriri general ward: 3 councillors 

• Napier Central general ward: 3 councillors 

• Taradale general ward: 3 councillors
•  

Eligibility to Vote 

• New Zealand citizen or permanent resident 

• 18 years or older 

• Lived in New Zealand continuously for 12 months or more 

• Lived in Napier for at least 1 month 

Need Help? 

• Visit: https://www.napier.govt.nz/our-council/local-elections/ 

• Call: https://www.napier.govt.nz/contact-us/ 

• Email: info@napier.govt.nz 

Important Reminders 

• Voting is by postal vote only 

• Maori Electoral option closes July 10, 2025

• Local councils make decisions that directly affect your daily life 

• Research candidates before voting 

Ngā mihi nui.

Kia ora e te whānau, 

He Tuku Mauri ki a Matariki 

Nau mai, haere mai ki te ahunga o te tau hou Māori. 

I te ata hāpara, ka huihui tātou ki te whāngai i te Hautapu, he tuku kai, he tuku whakaaro, he tuku aroha ki ngā whetū o Matariki. 

Welcome, come and join us in marking the beginning of the Māori New Year. 

At dawn, we will gather to take part in whāngai i te Hautapu, the offering of food, thoughts, and love to the stars of Matariki. 

Date: Wednesday, 25 June 2025  

Time: 6 am – 7 am Location: Pukemokimoki  

Marae Address: 191 Riverbend Road, Maraenui, Napier 

Ngā whakaritenga o Te Hautapu/ Itinerary 

5:55am – KARAKIA WHAKATŪWHEA 

Lead by Kaumatua 

After the karakia to Pōhutukawa and the honouring of the dead, food is offered to the stars. The steam from the cooked food rises into the sky and feeds Matariki. Once this part of the ceremony has been completed, a series of karakia follow. The karakia are dedicated to the different stars in the cluster. 

The wahine then leads Karanga 

Those who wish to participate in this ceremony part of the Karakia and the karanga, please be mindful of the guidance of our kaumatua who will be leading out in this part.   

The Hautapu ceremony allows us to honor those who have passed while celebrating the continuity of life and whakapapa that flows from our ancestors through to future generations. During this sacred time of Matariki, we gather strength from both the stars above and the spirits of those who guide us from beyond. 

During the Hautapu ceremony, we will honor the sacred thread that connects our past to our present by sharing the names of loved ones who have journeyed beyond. If someone dear to your whānau has crossed into the realm of ancestors, please share their name with us. We will add them to our remembrance, allowing us to collectively celebrate their enduring spirit and the imprint they’ve left on our lives. Together, we bridge the worlds, ensuring their memory continues to guide and inspire our community. 

This is a time for our whānau to come together, to remember, and to set our intentions as we move forward under the guidance of Matariki. Your presence would be a precious gift to our collective journey. 

Nāku noa,

Join us for an inspiring and transformative Rongoā Māori Symposium, bringing together an exceptional lineup of Māori keynote speakers, healers, and experts dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our people. This symposium will provide a unique opportunity for health professionals, academics, and whānau to engage with renowned Tohunga, Tohuna, Kai-Rongoā, Kai-Romiromi, Kohanga Reo Kaiako, Kai-Karakia, Organic Permaculturalists, Health & Science Psychologists, and Māori entrepreneurs who embody the wisdom of our ancestors while addressing contemporary health challenges. 

Our distinguished speakers and workshop facilitators are leaders in their fields, meeting the unmet needs of our communities through holistic healing, indigenous health practices, research, and innovation.  

We are honored to welcome:

Dr. Charlotte Mildon, Jennifer Takuta-Moses, Greta Carney & Jody Hamilton, Kay Robin & Jody Toroa, Dr. Lyn Doherty, Jen Rangiawha, Cordry Huata, Moana Skipwith-Lousi, Tracy Haraki, Dessa Walker, Miri Cracknell, and Raewyn Morrell. 

This symposium is an opportunity to learn, share, and connect, whether you are a practitioner, researcher, health professional, or community member passionate about Māori wellbeing. 

Nau mai, haere mai! We invite you to join us at Waiohiki Marae on Thursday 27th & Friday 28th March 2025. 

Ka tangi aroha

Tangi maioha koutou i tu ki Te Pa Tuwatawata Ko Pakake Kokiri wairua ki te kahui Ariki

Piki mai kake mai, ngā karanga hapū o Ahuriri.

This year marks the 200 year anniversary of the Battle of Te Pakake, a pivotal moment in our region’s history that occurred in 1824. This significant conflict took place at a small pa situated on an island near present-day Napier, pitting the local Ngati Kahungunu and their allies against a formidable coalition of northern tribes including Waikato, Hauraki, Ngati Raukawa, Wairarapa, Tuwharetoa and Ngā Puhi.

The battle was part of a larger series of intertribal conflicts that reshaped the North Island’s political landscape in the early 19th century. It stemmed from earlier clashes, notably the Battle of Te Roto a Tara, and was fueled by the pursuit of utu (revenge) for fallen chiefs.

Despite initial resistance, Te Pakake fell to the invading force, resulting in significant loss of life and the capture of several prominent chiefs. The aftermath of this battle led to major population shifts, with many Ngati Kahungunu seeking refuge in the Ruahine mountains or at Nukutaurua on the Mahia Peninsula.

As we commemorate this event, we reflect on the complex history of our rohe, the resilience of our ancestors, and the peace that eventually emerged from this tumultuous period. The Battle of Te Pakake remains a poignant reminder of our shared past and the importance of understanding and honoring our history.

Ngā mihi mahana,

Mana Ahuriri Trust