Hokonui Pānui - Hakihea 2025


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Hakihea 2025

Hokonui Pānui

June - July 2025

Celebration Community, Connection and Action

Kia ora e te whānau

He Timatanga Pai – A Strong Start to Winter

Winter greetings from all of us at Hokonui Rūnanga. As the cooler months settled in, our community came alive with purpose and passion. From creative initiatives to whānau-led projects, it's been heartening to see so many of you involved and contributing to kaupapa that uplift and connect us all.

This pānui is a reflection of that collective energy — a celebration of our people, our place, and the progress we've made together over these past winter months. As we move forward, we acknowledge the warmth that comes not just from the sun, but from each other.

Matariki Celebrations – Honouring Stories and Stars

This year’s Matariki celebrations offered us time to pause and reflect — a moment to remember those who came before, celebrate where we stand, and plan for the journey ahead. At our office gathering, we were privileged to hear from Winston, whose kōrero touched on the histories, stories, and values that underpin Matariki.

He reminded us that Matariki is not just about looking up to the stars, but also about looking inward and outward — toward our whakapapa, our relationships, and our responsibilities to each other and the environment. The stories shared brought a new sense of connection to this season, reinforcing why these traditions remain central to who we are.

Rangatahi Programme - He Wā Pīataataurihiku

July - 2025

Term two holidays saw our Rangatahi Holiday Programme light up the rohe with energy and enthusiasm. Tamariki was given the space to learn, explore, create, and grow — all while having a great time.

The program included a poi-making and waiata workshop led by Whai Jacqui, a fun-filled MLT Funday, a creative arts and crafts day at the Rūnanga, and a touch of SMURF movie magic complete with ice-cream and popcorn for morning tea!

Behind the holiday program is team of kaimahi and facilitators whose time and support made everything possible. Their efforts created a welcoming space for tamariki to express themselves and connect with other rangatahi.

We look forward to running the holiday program again in the Term 3 holidays, continuing to offer it to whanau free of charge.

A Honoured Visit – Welcoming Tā Tipene to Hokonui

July 2025

We had the privilege of welcoming Tā Tipene O’Regan and many of his whanau back to Hokonui Rūnanga — his first visit in more than 25 years. It was a deeply special occasion that wove together history, kōrero, and connection, reminding us of the legacy we carry as a rūnanga.

We also had the opportunity to accompany Tā Tipene to the Māruawai Arts Centre, where we were welcomed by Curator Jim Geddes. We enjoyed incredible kai such as smoked eel hot pies catered by Jude Taylor.

It was an honor to receive a personal tour of the Gore Museum from Jim, which of course could only be completed with a shot of Māurawai's own Hokonui Moonshine. (For the record - the Honey Moonshine gets my vote!).

As a side note, if you're stuck for gift ideas for the rellys at Christmas time, be sure to stop by the Gore Museum gift shop. After a walk through the history on display, you'll find the perfect little Māruawai souvenir to gift.

This visit was a timely reminder of how far we’ve come and the responsibility we have to protect, share, and grow the kaupapa handed down to us.

E mihi kau ana, Tā Tipene — ngā mihi nui mō tō haerenga, tō mātauranga, me tō aroha ki te iwi.

Invercargill City Council and PR Law Visit – Hope for the Future of Southland

We were pleased to host representatives from Invercargill City Council (ICC) and PR Law at Hokonui Rūnanga this winter. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to share kōrero about our kaupapa, how we operate across our four pou: social, economic, cultural and environmental, and how these are integrated into our vision for the future.

We spoke about the importance of whakawhanaungatanga, community-led development, and building long-term, sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of our people and place.

One ICC staff member summed it up beautifully:

“We see hope in Hokonui Rūnanga — hope for the future of Southland.”

Their kind words were a reminder of the positive impact of our mahi and the strength that comes from shared understanding. We’re proud of the meaningful discussions that took place, and we remain committed to the kaupapa of growing together — grounded in values and focused on building a future where everyone can thrive.

Taonga Research and Wānanga

This season, our Taonga Research team has continued to advance kaupapa that illuminate the stories, places, and people that shape our identity as a people and as kaitiaki. Guided by mātauranga Māori and grounded in the whenua, our mahi continues to uphold and protect taonga species and their habitats.

Recent wānanga and community engagements have created valuable spaces for kōrero, learning, and the sharing of intergenerational knowledge. These have supported key projects including:

Operation Endurance 2025 – Exploring the resilience of our tīpuna and linking these historic movements with current kaupapa.
Wāhi Tapu Archaeological Mapping – A collaborative effort to identify, protect, and honour sacred sites across our rohe.
Species Protection and Habitat Planning – Preparing for seasonal surveys, electrofishing, habitat assessments, and the development of forward work plans to ensure taonga species thrive for generations to come.

Each of these initiatives reflects our commitment to research grounded in tikanga Māori, drawing on the expertise of kaumātua, uri, researchers, and the wider community. These aren't just scientific tasks — they are acts of care, connection, and future-building.

As always, our vision is not only to understand the past but to use that knowledge to protect and inspire our future. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed their time, wisdom, and support to ensure this mahi continues with integrity and aroha.

Kaumātua Health Days/ Whanau Ora Navigator

Our Kaumātua Health Days are all about connection, laughter, and wellbeing. Held regularly at Hokonui Rūnanga, they offer a chance for kaumātua to gather, share stories, take part in fun activities, and enjoy a supportive environment that nurtures both body and mind. It’s a time to celebrate community, strengthen relationships, and look after our hauora together.

Pest Control Progress - Protecting Our Taiao

Congratulations to Lois, who has successfully secured grants and donations to continue the important pest control mahi in our Haumuri Bush rohe.

This mahi is directly linked to broader kaupapa like the Maukahuka Pest Eradication project and our wider environmental restoration goals. It is also a testament to the power of community-led conservation — much of it carried out quietly, often on weekends and after hours, by volunteers with a deep commitment to protecting our whenua.

For the 2024/2025 year, the numbers are in: a total of 1,392 pest catches across 23 trap lines. The annual tally includes:

63 Ferrets
227 Possums
406 Rats
37 Stoats
13 Weasels

Supporting Rangatahi to Thrive

Building pathways to meaningful careers and stronger futures takes more than just training — it takes community, culture, and connection. The Kia Tū programme brings these elements together to empower young people from our region to find direction and confidence.

Join us in celebrating the achievements of our latest group of tauira, and learn how this kaupapa continues to open doors and create real opportunities.