Maketu whanau day to attract hundreds

The view from Maketu, where a whanau day will be held next month. Photo/George Novak

An event focusing on family is expected to attract hundreds to Maketu next month.

The Whakaue Whanau Day will be held on Sunday, February 4, and aims to bring together members of the Ngati Whakaue whanau to celebrate their culture, learn about their environment, access key information from the iwi and most importantly - have fun and relax.

Event organiser Tony Pecotic said the kaupapa (theme) of the day was the tribe's role in being guardians and protectors of the waters and land in Maketu.

One of the relevant activities will be a Wearable Arts Parade, where people will enter on the day and use organic fibres and material found in Maketu to win prizes for the best outfit. It will highlight the importance of a clean moana (sea) and whenua (land) and how to be an effective kaitiaki (guardians) of the bird and marine life.

"There will be lots of varied activities for all age groups, including face painters and bouncy castles, a water slide, musicians, mirimiri (massage) practitioners, Taa Moko experts, historical tours of Maketu, whanau portraits and lots of games and sports."

Stalls will include Toi Ohomai, Lakes Trust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Maketu Estuary and Pukeroa Oruawhata.

There will also be a selection of food stalls selling hangi, chowder, steak, bacon and egg burgers, whitebait fritters, sponge cakes, summer fruit, desserts and slice and coffee.

The event is funded by Ngāti Whakaue Assets Trust, who will this year distribute over $460,000 to its beneficiaries. The Trust's distribution has an emphasis on strong support for marae grants, cultural activities and events that bring the iwi together.

Pecotic said Maketu was significant because in 1350a.d. the Arawa waka under the command of Tamatekapua landed in Maketu. From that time to the present, there has been a permanent settlement in Maketu of tribal members.

Key details:

Location: Whakaue marae, Maketu
Parking: Next to the marae
Time: 10am – 4pm
Kaupapa: Te hononga o Ngāti Whakaue o Te Arawa ki Maketu,
Nga hungatiatanga ki nga wai me te whenua I Maketu.
Ngāti Whakaue of Te Arawa connection to Maketu, the
guardians and protectors of the waters and the land in
Maketu.
Contact: Tony Pecotic, phone 0275606707 or email ururangi@outlook.com

About Ngāti Whakaue Assets Trust

In 2009 the Trust was given a $9.2 million Kaingaroa Forest settlement fund to invest for the collective benefit of Ngāti Whakaue. Thanks to "astute and strategic investment plays" the asset base has since doubled and is on track to surpass $20 million by 2020.

Last year the Trust distributed over $225,500 in grants to marae, community, sports and cultural groups. It committed to giving beneficiaries $460,000 over the next year, bringing the total distributions from the Trust to $2.2 million since its inception in 2009.
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