Latest news with #KātiHuirapaRūnakakiPuketeraki
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Meeting in Karitane for public to discuss proposed mātaitai
A proposal to make a popular fishing area off the Otago Coast into an iwi-managed reserve is on the table as a way to protect the area and still allow fishing to take place. Last month, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki applied to Fisheries New Zealand to create a 47.5sqkm mātaitai reserve extending from Cornish Head to Purehurehu Point. On August 21, there will be a public meeting at the Puketeraki Marae in Karitane to discuss the application with the community. East Otago Taiapure management committee chairman Brendan Flack said it would be "business as usual for pretty much everything". "The East Otago Taiapure was established in the 1990s, and at that time the boundaries were a little bit of a compromise ... for ease of management." Now that mapping of the area had been completed, they found certain reefs they were looking to protect were bisected by the current boundaries. "It's not really providing good protection, so it is just a matter of tidying up those boundaries." He said the mātaitai would give the opportunity to extend the area where paua was reseeded, and to be more active in removing invasive seaweed without banning recreational fishing in the same way a marine reserve would do. "This is a way of locally protecting an area and still allowing fishing to take place." The mātaitai would not change recreational fishing rules. However, there might be proposed changes later on, any of which would be consulted on with the public and relevant stakeholders, and would need to be approved by the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries. In a mātaitai, commercial fishing is generally banned, but Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki has proposed exemptions allowing certain commercial activities to take place. This includes allowing the anchoring of commercial vessels, the processing of commercially caught fish, the taking and holding of rock lobster in holding pots, the taking of paddle crab and the taking of Undaria pinnatifida (invasive seaweed). The proposal also allows the commercial taking of finfish, except for blue cod, butterfish and moki. The current boundaries of the East Otago Taiapure were too small to effectively manage non-sedentary species of sea life, and the proposed boundaries of the mātaitai would make this easier, the proposal said. Submissions from the public about the proposal were open until September 4 on the New Zealand Fisheries website. Fish Mainland director and Tautuku Fishing Club president Brett Bensemann was concerned about the proposal. He said everyone should be working together for the future of fishing, instead of "constant surprises by certain groups". "Certain groups can be anyone ... commercial, Fisheries New Zealand, iwi — we should all be communicating. "Perhaps a Otago Coast Guardians Group of representatives from all sectors should be put in place."
Otago Daily Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Dunedin Midwinter Carnival 2025
One of our city's most iconic community events, the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival, is lighting the way not just with lanterns, but with meaningful partnerships that bring together conservation, art, and education. Through a series of collaborations, the Carnival is deepening its community connections and expanding the impact of its creative work across Ōtepoti/Dunedin. Nocturnal Forest Lantern Experience: A Magical Fusion of Art and Nature Earlier this year in April, during the Wild Dunedin Festival of Nature, we saw this in action when a newly formed partnership between Orokonui Ecosanctuary and The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival bought you the Orokonui Manu Huru - Nocturnal Forest Lantern Experience. The fundraising event, a collaboration between the two organisations merging conservation and art, was a guided evening walk through Orokonui's native forest which was brought to life by more than fifty thoughtfully curated lanterns celebrating Aotearoa's native wildlife. 'We were blessed with the light of the almost full moon as audiences were guided through the bush accompanied by the sounds of taoka pūoro, catching glimpses of Takahē, Kākā and of course our lanterns. We chose lanterns to highlight the natural fauna of the ecosanctuary, such as; Mokomoko/Lizard, Kōkō/Tui plus we had few special surprises such as our cheeky Moa, and the fearsome Pouākai/Haast Eagle.' Says Xanthe Naylor Duneidn Midwinter Carnival Event Manager. The experience was enhanced by the accompanying soundtrack; a specially composed soundscape by Madison Kelly (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Pākehā), lead guide at Orokonui. Using taoka pūoro, Madison created a sonic journey through dusk, night, and dawn at Orokonui evoking the flight of manu/birds like Kākā, Tokoeka, and Ruru, as well as the spiritual echoes of extinct species such as Moa. Live taoka pūoro performances by Madison and whānau from Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Moewai Marsh, and Miriama Parata, added depth and mana to the event. The event not only captivated audiences but also raised vital funds for both organisations, exemplifying the beauty and benefit of community-led collaboration. 'The opportunity to collaborate with the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival has been fantastic for us. As two not-for-profit community-driven organisations, we have a lot in common, and the Manu Huru event has allowed us to utilise our respective strengths to pull together a really magical event celebrating wildlife, arts, and culture. We're super excited by how this partnership can grow into the future providing exciting experiences to introduce new people to both the sanctuary and the Carnival.' Says Amanda Symon General Manager Orokonui Ecosanctuary. Growing Creative Futures with Otago Polytechnic The Midwinter Carnival was excited to continue, and evolve, their valued partnership with Otago Polytechnic's School of Art, Design and Architecture. 'We were thrilled to once again partner with the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival, our second collaboration, and this time, it's bigger and better than ever.' Says Denise Narciso Principal Lecturer Projects and Internships Coordinator. The Midwinter Carnival team has been working alongside lecturers and 30 students on real-world creative projects. Students developed pitches across areas such as projection design, branding, interactive installations, and social media strategy. Several proposals were selected, and moved into production. This opportunity has given students valuable hands-on experience in client communication, research, idea development and collaboration; learning to diversify their design approaches, enhancing existing skills, and discovering new tools and techniques. 'The classroom becomes a dynamic studio environment that mirrors industry practices, where critique, teamwork, meetings, and presentations are part of the daily routine. We're now in the production phase, and there's a real buzz as the final designs start to take shape. We can't wait to see it all come together!' says Denise Narciso. Through this collaboration the community can expect to see some exciting new additions to this year's Midwinter Carnival. Creative Connections with Tūhura Otago Museum This year has also seen a new development in regards to the lantern making workshops. The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival has joined forces with Tūhura - Otago Museum and launched an adult lantern-making workshop as part of their Wine and Design series. These adult workshops will coincide with the Meridian Mall community lantern workshops and will be held this May 27 and 28 at Tūhura - Otago Museum. These after-hours sessions offer participants a chance to engage creatively with more intricate lantern designs, in a more relaxed environment, tickets also include a glass of wine and canapés. 'We are super excited to host these epic workshops! Tūhura is so lucky to be able to collaborate with such amazing local events and help showcase the mahi that goes into them.' Says Jessica Hatfield Senior Events Coordinator at Tūhura Otago Museum. Through these collaborations, the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival is fostering strong connections between artists, educators, conservationists, and learners; while continuing to inspire awe through light, creativity, and shared celebration. Be a part of the magic this June 27 and 28, as First Church and surrounding grounds are transformed into a luminous celebration of light with the theme Wings of Wonder . Enjoy the warmth of community and fly into the winter night, where wonder knows no bounds and shimmering lanterns take flight - from native birds of Aotearoa and mythical creatures that soar through the sky, to the graceful wings of butterflies. Let your imagination take wing as you weave through stunning lantern displays, interactive installations, and awe-inspiring performances. Event, pay-it-forward, and workshop tickets are all available now via ENDS
Otago Daily Times
30-04-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Educational hub project gains funding
An ambitious project aimed at "transforming cultural capability" across Otago's education sector has been given $1.804 million over the next three years. The funding has been provided by the Otago Community Trust so that Otago's three Papatipu Rūnaka — Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou and Te Rūnaka o Moeraki — can join forces to establish an educational hub, Hono ki Tua. The hub would work holistically with early childhood, primary and secondary education providers, to enhance knowledge and understanding of the Kāi Tahu heritage and culture, specific to each rūnaka. It would deliver initiatives, including kapa haka training, marae-based school programmes and workshops for whānau and educators alike. It also aimed to ensure educational providers better understand rūnaka aspirations as mana whenua, while developing their local cultural knowledge and the specific context of the Treaty of Waitangi in the South Island. Hono ki Tua board member Dr Rachel Martin was delighted with the funding support. "The development of Hono ki Tua provides Kā rūnaka Ōtākou, Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki, and Moeraki with an innovative approach to form Te Tiriti o Waitangi-based outcomes within our respective takiwā [tribal territories]. "It's an exciting time and we are looking forward to working with the trust, whānau and education providers over the next three years." She was "deeply grateful" for the work done by the late Rua McCallum (Moeraki) who initially spearheaded the project, but died before she could see it come to fruition. "We are heartened that her legacy will live on through Hono ki Tua." Dr Martin said the project would benefit all students and teachers, foster a genuine sense of belonging, and help address some of the educational disadvantages faced by Māori. Word of the initiative has spread fast and principals across the Otago region are looking forward to using the resources. Warrington School principal Jeff Burrow said the support and guidance provided through local pūrākau, cultural wānaka and engagement with marae had enriched his pupils' understanding of their heritage and identity, and contributed to their overall wellbeing and achievement. "These connections are invaluable in helping us build a curriculum that reflects the histories and values of our region, fostering a deeper sense of belonging for all our learners. "As a school principal, I regularly seek advice and support from our local marae." St Clair School principal Jen Rodgers said the combined resources would be "immensely helpful". Through this comprehensive approach, Hono ki Tua aimed to create a more culturally inclusive educational environment and support the development of tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau, she said.
