Kei Hea Te Tau Kua Riro?
It’s been a while and contrary to current common practice – this message is written by a friendly human – no AI here. Here’s a slice of what’s been happening at Hihiaua since Puanga/Matariki 2025.
We have had our annual Puanga/Matariki workshops and exhibition with lots of beautiful artworks created, admired and gone to new homes for good returns for our local artists. Many whanau, hapu, iwi and hapori continue to engage with Hihiaua for inspiration on their journey of reclamation, restoration and renewal of culture and identity.
We continue to sell a variety of kaupapa Maori pukapuka for all audiences, from seasoned readers and academics to pepi.
In August Te Taumata Hauora Iwi Maori Partnership Board held a hui for providers to monitor, evaluate and discuss mental health and addiction services in Tai Tokerau.
Early in September there was a great turnout of kauri protection practitioners for the Tiakina Kauri regional hui and Foundation North held their annual public meeting. Was great to host their kaihautu, kaimahi and other community organisations who benefit from Foundation North and to welcome their new CEO, Dylan Lawrence, to Tai Tokerau.
In late September two of our Hihiaua kaiwhakairo, Shane Hakaraia and Poutama Hetaraka, travelled to Taiwan as guests with Tohunga Tarai Waka and Ocean Navigator, Heemi Eruera of Te Tapuwae. Hosted by Taiwan Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society, the team carved a pou to eventually be part of a star compass similar to Atea A Rangi in Te Matu a Maui (Hawkes Bay).
Poutama says, “Shane and I had a fantastic experience carving a Pou for the people of Taiwan and learning more of the culture that we in Aotearoa may have originated from.”
This has been a full circle moment for us at Hihiaua, which started in 2023 when we were visited by Taiwanese artist and aspiring waka builder Lafin Sawmah, who sadly passed away not long after his visit to NZ. They were honoured to go to his home and studio to meet his wife Heidi Yip.
More to follow on this kaupapa…
So, here we are at the end of October, spring is in the air with summer breathing down her neck – a far cry from the chill rain and winds of June. This Matariki season of reflection was heralded here with a visit from a community choir from Honolulu and a magnificent performance of our very own Opera North, performing classical opera waiata for the first time in te reo Maori, 115’s community hangi and uku making wananga every Sunday
through July.
Tai Timu, Tai Pari held a hui for their stakeholders which included the lawyers and judges of
the Family Court focusing on the welfare of all tamariki.
Toi Together was a beautiful gathering for rainbow rangatahi and their whanau to learn siapo
making and to share korero.
Earlier this month we were also honoured to host a two day visit by the Atlantic Fellows for
Social Equity from around Aotearoa, Australia and the Pacific.
Following a lively Mental Health Awareness Day, Labour’s spokesperson for Health, Dr Ayesha Verrall, Willow Jean Prime, MP and local Dr Gary Payinda held a public meeting at Hihiaua campaigning for Affordable Healthcare for All.
Just last week we hosted the Northland Kindergarten Association Enviroschools workshop, A Day of Mātauranga and Connection with Whaea Aniata Mackie.
Kaiako from across 18 of our 20 Enviroschools kindergartens came together for a deeply enriching day of Professional Learning and Development (PLD) with Whaea Aniata Mackie.
The Enviroschools kaupapa is rooted in sustainability, connection, and action. It empowers tamariki, kaiako, and communities to live in harmony with te taiao, nurturing both people and place. Through this kaupapa, our kindergartens embrace the values of kaitiakitanga, participation, and respect for the natural world – guiding tamariki to become active citizens who care for Papatūānuku in meaningful and enduring ways.
“From the moment we arrived, the wairua of Hihiaua embraced us – a calm, nurturing energy that made it the perfect space for this mahi. Whaea Ani held space with gentle strength and deep wairua, inviting us to slow down, listen, and reconnect with te taiao and each other.” says Roimata Macfarlane.
Check out our facebook and instagram and watch this space for more to come. Meanwhile,
have a great Labour Weekend.
Ma te wa!
