Kete

Chairperson's message Whakarongo ki te tangi ā te manu Tui, tui, tuituiā Tuiā i runga, tuiā i raro, tuiā i roto, tuiā i waho Tuiā te here tangata Ka rongo te pō, ka rongo te…

The name of our maunga Whakapunake is Whakapunake-o-te-matau-ā-Māui-tikitiki-ā-Taranga. Meaning the causing [of the maunga] to become the receptacle of the fishhook of Māui-topknot-of-Taranga. This refers to the maunga as the figurative repository of the legendary jaw bone of Muri-ranga-whenua, from which was fashioned the fishhook used to raise Te Ika-ā-Māui (north island) from the depths of the sea.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has released a new Intermediate River Bar Management Plan for Wairoa, aiming to reduce flood risk by lowering part of the beach crest. Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa contributed to the plan, urging that tangata whenua values and awa health be central. They’re calling for a Cultural Impact Assessment, stronger safeguards, and better public engagement.

Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa and DOC are developing a long-term plan to revitalise Ngā Hua o Mōrere hot springs and hope to return it to whānau, hapū and iwi. A steering group is exploring successful models from other springs, focusing on strong governance, cultural leadership, and sustainability. Community hui are shaping a shared vision—centred on healing, identity, and future opportunities for whānau and hapū.

Haumako’s 2024 harvest marked a major step forward for Wairoa horticulture, with new automated picking platforms improving fruit quality and worker wellbeing. At Tara and Whakapau Orchards, locals—including cadets—are gaining skills and jobs. Community connections remain strong, with surplus fruit shared locally. More than apples, Haumako is growing futures and leading innovation in sustainable, people-focused horticulture.

Planting is now complete at Paritu Station, marking a major milestone for Wairoa whānau. The 1100-hectare project blends radiata pine and native forest to generate jobs, protect whenua, and create long-term income. With a 30-year work programme ahead, it offers sustainable employment and environmental restoration, while reconnecting iwi with their land and supporting future generations through culturally meaningful initiatives.

Planting is now complete at Paritu Station, marking a major milestone for Wairoa whānau. The 1100-hectare project blends radiata pine and native forest to generate jobs, protect whenua, and create long-term income. With a 30-year work programme ahead, it offers sustainable employment and environmental restoration, while reconnecting iwi with their land and supporting future generations through culturally meaningful initiatives.

We’re delighted to share that four locals officially moved into their new homes at the Te Rauā residential development in May with a further seven over June.

Te Rauā Whānau coming home For kaumātua Emily Hiko, moving into her new one-bedroom home at the Te Rauā residential development has been nothing short of life-changing.

Bring your voice, your whānau, and your moemoeā for the future. Nau mai, Haere mai.