Hei Kura mo Mahaki
Exhibition Focus Group
"Hei Kura mo Mahaki" is the name coined by the Te Aitanga a Mahaki Iwi Trust
focus group charged with the task of investigating the possibility of an Iwi
Exhibition for the Whanau, Hapu and wider Iwi, to encapsulate the work they
are engaged in.
An initial consultation Hui in April 2002 with representatives of our Iwi
endorsed the pursuit of the concept of celebrating our achievements in a
wide range of areas, but in particular those associated with our arts and
culture.
Led and guided by our learned Kaumatua Mr Wirangi Pera and the expertise of
Mr Nick Tupara the focus group which also has as its membership Mrs Tangiwai
Ria, Mrs Margaret Edwards, Mrs Rene Babbington, Mrs Margaret Taumata-Leefe
and Mini McKenzie has moved with the inherent theme of "He Kura mo Mahaki"
which is to celebrate our accomplishments in such a manner to drive an
ongoing living legacy for "nga uri ka heke iho mai nei," (the generations to
come).
Vision
"Kia pumau te mana motuhake a Te Aitanga a Mahaki"
"That we might hold fast traditions of Mahaki"
Mission Statement
"To identify and celebrate cultural Taonga to
enhance the identity of Te Aitanga a Mahaki"
Accomplishments
The focus group has accomplished a number of things in the last 18 months
which have moved us closer to creating a living legacy for the people of Te
Aitanga a Mahaki.
1.
Key partnership relationships have been established with relevant
groups such as Te Papa, Creative New Zealand, other Iwi groups who have
experience that they are willing to share and private individuals who are
willing to share of their own Taonga with the wider Iwi. These relationships
are important and are about ensuring widespread sharing for the wider
benefit of our own people.
2.
We have recently completed the first stage of a database of Taonga primarily
from within New Zealand but also internationally which are of significance
to Te Aitanga a Mahaki.
3.
Key links have been forged with the research that has been done as part of
the Waitangi Claims process further widening the range of information our
Whanau can now access.
4.
The first of many, both large and small exhibitions has been organised for
the 21st of November 2003 and will make available to a large number of our
Whanau Taonga and the korero associated with these Taonga that has not been
seen or heard by the majority of them, although they exist in the heart of
Te Aitanga a Mahaki.
Although our first and although only small, this exhibition is the
culmination of dreaming dreams and the willingness of our people, our Whanau
to share with each other. Ka pai rawa atu enei momo whakaaro. This
exhibition is being held at the Mangatu Blocks Committee room during the
Annual General Meeting.
5.
The focus Group with the wider Te Aitanga a Mahaki Trust has formed a
relationship with Kapa Haka International for this years Super 12 Kapa Haka
which will see Te Aitanga a Mahaki gain New Zealand wide publicity but most
importantly ensure that Te Aitanga a Mahaki celebrates with its people the
beauty and the poetic expression of our culture.
6.
A new logo and web page has been developed and is being launched to
celebrate the visionary nature and the wider aspirations of the people of Te
Aitanga a Mahaki.
It is to be noted that these accomplishments are the consequence of a
strategic plan developed by the group in the initial stages subsequent to
meeting with Whanau Hapu and Iwi in April 2002. As we move into the new
year, 2004, the strategic plan will be revisited and the people will be
asked for input again as we strive to ensure "Hei Kura a Mahaki" continues
to create that ongoing living legacy for our people. | 
