(Administrative Assistant)
The Hokonui Rūnanga Kaitiaki Taiao Tauira Programme induction week ran from Monday 24 to Friday 28 January 2022.
The kaupapa for the week was been busy but productive, it was a time to get to know and work with the tauira. It kicked off on Monday the 24th of January 2022 with a pōwhiri being overseen by Matu Coleman (Cultural Advisor) at O Te Ika Rama Marae. This saw whānau and tauira come together to learn a little more about the kaupapa and the future vision for the programme, which was delivered by Te Kaiārihi Taiao (Environmental Lead) Riki Parata.
oitū te Whenua/Land information New Zealand (LINZ) made this kaupapa possible through its Jobs for Nature programme funding, that seeks to restore native plants and animal life across Southlands Hokonui Hills, by expanding a native seed bank and nursery and carrying out horticulture and ranger training. Furthermore, this programme aims to develop skills that will result in long-term gains for the environment, wildlife and community. This is made possible through the holistic iwi approach to the environment and its inclusion with people and health.
Jana Davis, the CEO of Te Tapu o Tāne, which is the nursery venture by the four Papatipu Rūnanga o Murihiku, and his team also joined us for the week, and while with us delivered a presentation on how Te Tapu o Tāne supports the capability and regeneration of the environment, which also strongly supports the kaupapa taking place at the Hokonui Rūnanga.
Some of the highlights for the week have been tauira involvement in First Aid, which was led by Debbie Rewi and Candace Carroll, who offered scenarios, practical experiences, and their expertise. Also, Frontline tutors John Pfeifer and Oliver Todd delivered the Health and Safety, and team building exercises, which had important information, relevant to kaupapa and a chance to connect with each other. They also assessed the tauira and their Literacy and Numeracy skills.
The week ended with a Hākari at O Te Ika Rama Marae and was a great way to bring our induction week to an end.