Hokianga blog

THE JOURNEY OF LITTLE TOHEROA - A NEW BOOK

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 22:45:00 +0000

Te Kopuru(Dargaville) kaumatua elder and kaitiaki moana sea and foreshore guardian James Te Tuhi is back with another children's book on Toheroa. In 2008, Te Tuhi's first book Toheroa, a full-colour book translated by Pukepoto(Kaitaia) kaumatua the late Ross Gregory, published by Huia publishers won an award at the Aotearoa Children's Book Awards the same year.

This time Te Tuhi has co-authored with kuia and kaitiaki moana Betsy Young from Kaitaia a story following the journey of a little toheroa navigating it's way in life. 

This story will be a great resource for schools studying history and foreshore conservation.

Toheroa was a favourite NZ seafood delicacy of the 1900s. Toheroa thrived on the western beaches of the North Island – Te Oneroa a Tohe (Ninety Mile Beach), Ripiro and Muriwai. It was vastly over-harvested and collecting was finally banned in the 1970s. 

Today, there are several toheroa restoration projects led by hapu across the west coast of the upper north island; including at Matihetihe, North Hokianga to have toheroa return as a sustainable delicacy.

The book will be available in bookshops soon.

Toheroa soup and picture of father and daughter digging for toheroa at Te Oneroa a Tohe came from Te Ahu Museum, Kaitaia.

THE PEOPLE OF NORTH HOKIANGA SHOWCASED IN EXHIBITION

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 22:11:00 +0000

From 1984 to 1994 well known photographer Marg Morrow spent time capturing the people of North Hokianga first through the PEP(Project Employment Programmes) schemes; and then by attending different hui and events in predominately Maori settlements.

Marg Morrow shows an important emerging consciousness of the people and great changes. These photos portray the people within their own environment and the land relationships\connections they have in common.

This is a significant show for Hokianga and includes 200 black and white photos.

Don't miss the chance to visit historic Kohukohu and see the exhibition, which ends this month

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 13:33:00 +0000

DAWES PHOTOGRAPHS AN IMPORTANT NZ TAONGA

Māori dog-tax resisters, including leader Hone Toia (centre, standing), following their surrender at Waima in Northland in 1898. Photo / Charlie Dawes, Auckland Libraries.

The large photographic collection of Charles Peet Dawes held by Auckland Libraries is important to New Zealand due to its’ high cultural and historical value.

The Hokianga and its surrounding environs is an important historical region which documents early contact between Māori and European settlers to New Zealand from the 1820s. Māori were the sole inhabitants and owners of the lands, and were also the chiefs of industry with the adoption of the New Zealand flag by the United Tribes of New Zealand in 1834 enabling northern chiefs to export and trade overseas.

Early European successful settlement in the Hokianga was determined on their ability to negotiate with chiefs for land purchase or the bartering for land, or the gifting of land leading to the inevitable necessity for intermarriage between Māori women and European men.

70 years later Charles Dawes studio was established in Kohukohu and he was granted unprecedented access into the lives of one of the earliest and truly bicultural communities in New Zealand. Capturing the pictorial record of Hokianga circa 1892 and ending circa 1925.

Dawes also documented events of historic importance, such as the confrontation between the Crown and some northern Māori hapu who opposed the tax on dogs. A poignant rare photograph taken in Waima shows soldiers and local Pakeha keeping a respectful and casual distance where negotiations led by Māori eventually lead to the peaceful arrest of those hapu in opposition to the tax laws. Another photograph shows a sack race between Government troops and Māori in the Hokianga area after peace was made. A testament to the enduring relationships forged over generations of living together in the Hokianga.

The Northwood Brothers Charles and Alfred set up a photography studio in the town of Kohukohu from 1910 -1919, however those collections are in private hands and have possibly been destroyed or “gone missing”, highly likely to never be seen again.

The Dawes Collection is unique and is worthy of nomination for the UNESCO NZ Memory of the World Register.

I support Auckland Libraries nomination of the Dawes Collection for the UNESCO NZ Memory of the World Register.

Womens Suffrage Meri Mangakahia Te Tai

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 21:23:00 +0000

We honour and pay tribute to the chiefs,
To the lineage and to the authorities of Hokianga

To the men and women who in past times influenced and turned
the tides of power, carving their mark on the environment and people

Their leadership will never be forgotten
Their feats shall be remembered

Their voices and stories shall echo
In the halls of memory

Forever more

2018 marks the 125^th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand. On 19 September 1893 the Electoral Act 1893 was passed, giving all women in New Zealand the right to vote. As a result of this landmark legislation, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world in which all women had the right to vote in parliamentary elections.

Mere Mangakahia Te Tai was born in the Hokianga, her father was Re Te Tai, a Te Rarawa chief and prominent politician for the region. One of the first women to speak in the Maori parliament of the rights of Maori women to claim land and authority on behalf of hapu was monumental to the overall energy of the women's right to vote movement.

Nga Tuhinga o tatou Tupuna

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Thu, 31 May 2012 03:16:00 +0000

Te Pae o Warawara, Hokianga. Private Collection, 2012.

For many years I had the pleasure of working in places that hold the stories of and written by our many ancestors, nga tuhinga o tatou tupuna, ara, nga korero tuku iho. In these storehouses are vast collections of manuscripts, they do not lay silent but whisper amongst themselves until we discover them. They wait patiently to be uncovered and to be read, and voiced.

Below is a letter from Aperahama Taonui, Te Popoto of Utakura in upper Hokianga. He was the founder of the Kotahitanga movement, later to become the Maori Parliament which travelled around the country in the 1890s. Taonui was a leader, a prophet and a politician during his whole life. Here is an exert. Enjoy.

Aperahama Taonui - Letter to the Ngapuhi tribe on political matters and several songs embodied therein - dated Okura 12/11/61.
(Page 1)

Okura, Nov 12 1861
Aperahama Taonui

He pukakpuka tana I korero ai e ngaphui tena koutou, tenei te aroha e te kawana kia koutou, tena I koa, ai tana ngakau. Ko a koutou kupu I te whana[houo]? Or te[ aha noho uo] ke a na kupu I roto I te pouritanga ka ngaro atu a kawana ki tawahi ka hua nga raru I muri iaia, nei ra hoki e tu atu kei te kawana ko nga mea ngotu e tu mai ana, ki e kupu a kawana e mea atu nei ki a koutou, ko nga tikanga a te pakeha ki a whakamatauria kia koutou, ara te tikanga

(Page 2 ) o nga ture ka whakaritea nei ki nga takiwa katoa ko tetahi ko te Kura, ko te Rata, kia marama mai hoki tenei I a koutou, a te wahi I whakaritea ai te Rata hei mea, hei mea e kore I kumea ki a roa te tikanga o enei mea ka paua tatatia nui ano, tenei ano tenei kupu mo te whenua I ait e mea, e tau totohetia te tahi whenua me tuku ma taua Runanga I whakaritea nei mana e mahi me haere katoa taua kaiwhakawa ki runga I te whenua haere ai, tenei ano tenei kupu mo te whenua ano, tautohe ko te kawana ranei te tahi wahi o taua whenua

(Page 3 ) me tuku ano ki runga o taua mahi whakawa, kia rite ai hoki te kupu nei he iwi ko tahi, na tenei hoki tenei kupu ka tirohia te whenua I te runanga kia tae ia nga kawhakawa ki taua whenua. Ki a oti raw ate mahi, kia taku tika kei reira ka whakamoh[i]o ai te tahi pakeha ki reira waka tu ka u ka whakahua I tana hari, mauri awheawhe Moetara, tutaki ana mai e hara I naianei ano mua iho. Ka rongo atu na hoki I au kupu ko te kura, ko te whare turoro ka rua ka tangohia I Hokianga o taonga whai hoki ko te whare herehere ka tangohia ma te tutu hoki, ka riro te tangata ki te whare. Ko te tahi tumuaki

In Papers and memoranda relating to the Maori ; collected and in many instances written by John White, collated and arranged by George Graham and John Barr - Maori section vol 3 p58.
Waahi: Auckland Central Library, Special Collections NZ MS 714/3

Take: Hetaraka; Kahika, Raniera; Kaipo; Karaka, Arama; Marino, Paora; Ngaro; Ngaropo, Hira; Papahurihia, Penetana (aka Te Atuawera); Taonui, Aperahama; Taramoeroa; Te Uruti; Tio; land tenure; speeches and addresses; politics; waiata

FULL BIOGRAPHY http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2t7/1

Mangungu Mission

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:50:00 +0000

Mangungu was established in 1828 as the second Wesleyan Mission station in New Zealand, the first being destroyed in 1827. The existing house was built ca 1838 for the head of the Methodist Mission in New Zealand, the Rev. Nathaniel Turner. The station is the oldest surviving structure associated with the Methodist Church in New Zealand.

On the 12 February 1840 the third and largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi took place at the mission. The house was designed and the construction supervised by the Rev. John Hobbs who lived there with his wife Jane and family from 1845-55 when the station was closed.

For more information on Rev. John Hobbs diaries check out this link Mangungu Mission

Or visit this historic site on Motukiore Road, Horeke.

12pm - 4pm
November - April: Saturday & Sunday

May - October: Sunday.

Summer & Easter school holidays: Thursday - Monday
Closed Christmas Day

Taonga Whakahirawhira

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 06:01:00 +0000

http://www.lindaueronline.co.nz/

The Lindauer Maori portraits are an impressive collection of oil paintings of tupuna from the 19th century. They are held at the Auckland Art Gallery which is currently under re-development. The Auckland Art Gallery recently launched the digital version 63 portraits from the Partridge Collection and an accompanying Lindauer Visitor's Books from the period.

Nothing will ever take the place of seeing these tupuna portraits kanohi ki te kanohi, face to face which is an awesome, awe inspiring experience. However, if you can't get into the Auckland CBD to physically view the portraits then visit them online.

Hokianga chief Tamati Waka Nene is one of the portraits exhibited online, there are also other treasures such as photographs of the tupuna, manuscripts and information provided by descendants and other institutions providing a more holistic approach to the subject, the tupuna.

The Auckland Art Gallery has set a benchmark of quality and excellence for other heritage storehouses to follow, regarding the respect and care institutions give to taonga Maori physically and in the digital realm. Miharo pai, Auckland Art Gallery, miharo pai!

The return of Matariki

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 05:34:00 +0000

Te Tai Tokerau Matariki Events Calendar

Matariki Festival
What is Matariki?

Last week I attended the inaugural Matariki celebrations of Te Kura Taumata o Panguru Area School; at Ngati Manawa marae, Hokianga. The tamariki\children performed purakau and waiata. MANA awards were given out to outstanding achievement and behaviour demonstrated by individuals. We were also treated to good food from our sea and forest, muttonbird, wild duck and pork, Kotere moana, taroi, taro, kumara, puha, ruruhau, raw fish, titi kuri(sea cucumber) and thankfully the list goes on.

In olden days, Matariki was a time for planting the winter crops, a time for study in the Whare Wananga, a time to settle disputes\life debts and start wars with rival hapu or iwi. It was also a time for reflection and contemplation so while you are trying to keep warm; take some time out to learn about and celebrate Matariki, where ever you may be. Follow the links above.

Shout Ha! to the Sky

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Sun, 23 May 2010 22:23:00 +0000

Shout Ha! to the Sky explores history and contemporary life from a Maori person’s perspective, and seeks to restore possibilities removed through the forces of colonialism. The poetry is intimate, wry, funny, angry and always loving. It weaves into and dialogues with multi-genre work by a range of Pacific authors such as Anne Salmond, Albert Wendt, Haunani-Kay Trask, Witi Ihimaera, and the late Hone Tuwhare, as well as writing from outside the Pacific by Anna Seward, W.B.Yeats, Ezra Pound, Keats, Vijay Seshadri, Dante Alighieri.

Robert Sullivan is a critically acclaimed and award-winning Ngapuhi poet who is based in Honolulu and teaches creative writing at the University of Hawai’i. He has performed at festivals in the US, New Zealand, Italy, India, Germany and Canada. As well as five other books of poetry, he has co-edited Whetu Moana (an anthology of Polynesian poetry), Best New Zealand Poems 2006, and co-edits the online journal Trout.
Buy the book online now

Remembering "A Company" on ANZAC

noreply@blogger.com (Te Ropu Ratonga Maori) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:22:00 +0000

The history of Māori in the Hokianga would not be complete without a mention of the 28th Māori Battalion, in particular A Company (Ngā Kiri Kapia).

The Māori Battalion's four rifle companies were organised along tribal lines, partly following the boundaries of the four Māori parliamentary electorates. Each company had its own nickname, reflecting the history and character of its main recruiting area:

A Company, drawn from Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua and other northern iwi, was known as the Gum Diggers (Ngā Kiri Kapia) due to the long history of kauri gum digging in the north.

Harding Leaf's name is synonymous with the 'fighting Ngapuhi'. He enlisted for W.W.I in 1914 and served in Gallipoli and on the Western Front. He became a legend for his inspired leadership at Chunuk Bair with his rallying battle cry "Fight like the Ururoa, fight to the death".

Harding gave 4 years 51 days in overseas service in W.W.I. In W.W.II Harding gave his life. He was killed in action in Crete. He has no grave, no official resting place but his memory lives on in the heart of his people.

Lieutenant Colonel H.G. Dyer in his book Ma te Reinga (The way of the Maori Soldier) describes Harding:

HARDING was a powerful man and a happy one. When the war broke out his life had already been packed with adventure and he had even then become a legend among his people. The Ngapuhi of the North were the wild men of the Battalion, and Harding was of them. He lived and loved at Hokianga in the old stamping ground of Hongi Hika and of Judge Manning, and in his own way he followed the path they had trod.

Rare Book: The Sons of Ramaroa by Joan M Leaf

The stories of New Zealand soldiers from the South Hokianga area.

Hokianga Exhibition Online Revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 05:13:00 +0000

This exhibition was held several years ago now but it brought together a variety of different taonga, treasures, historians, descendants and artists to paint a very colourful and memorable story. Hokianga Whakapau Taniwha, Hokianga Whakapau Ariki and Hokianga Whakapau Tangata delved into three areas Hokianga and it's environment, it's leadership and Hokianga people.

The exhibition was held at Auckland City Libraries and over 25,000 people visited this 3 month exhibition. Now you can visit the exhibition online and take a virtual tour exploring it's themes, the items on display by local Hokianga artists, treasures from the vaults of Auckland City Libraries, Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Alexander Turnball Library and treasures from the private collections of family.

HOKIANGA EXHIBITION ONLINE

Te Ao Hou - a new world

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:41:00 +0000

One of interest, Te Ao Hou, The New World was published by the Maori Affairs Department from 1952 to 1976, its aim was
"… to provide interesting and informative reading for Maori homes… like a marae on paper, where all questions of interest to the Maori can be discussed." It is bilingual in content, reporting in both Maori and English, and is now a sought after publication.
They capture many colourful events and stories that emphasize the many aspects that is the Hokianga.

There are over a hundred Hokianga stories to read online from Kupe the legendary navigator and chief and an explanation and history of Otira meeting house pub. 1953, to a field day at Panguru in 1960 and proverbial expressions from the Hokianga too.

A treasure trove: Te Ao Hou

Rachel Miller - new works exhibited at Village Arts

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:50:00 +0000

Book: the peoples faces by Lisa Cherrington

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:42:00 +0000

"In this sensitive, insightful and eerily atmospheric novel, Lisa Cherrington takes her professional knowledge, combines it with storytelling flair, and explores the difficult and complex life of a family affected by mental illness...Who is caught in the middle when Western and Maori forms of knowledge about the mind collide?Twenty-something Nikki's city life has just reached a crisis point. Her brother, Joshua, is in a psychiatric hospital again. He has been alternately beguiled, troubled and tormented since childhood by visions of people-faces, visions that are entwined with the ancestral homelands of Northland (Hokianga) and the dolphins that swim in the surrounding seas.Together Nikki and Joshua must travel home to confront the people-faces. Their journey takes them back to their childhood, and straight to their family's heart. ."

Lisa Cherrington is Ngati Hine and Ngapuhi and is a Maori Senior Clinical Psychologist. Her professional interests are working with Maori whanau experiencing cancer, Maori models of therapy, use of te whare tapa wha in clinical settings, use of Maori mythology and Narrative therapy. Lisa currently works for Massey University and has researched and written publications on Maori mental health.

Must read book, borrow it from your local library or buy a copy from Huia publishers.

In the spotlight: Nga Toki te waka

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:14:00 +0000

A welcome return of a special Waka arrived at Te Pewhairangi, the Bay of Islands, for the largest gathering of traditional canoes since 1990.

After a five-year absence from Waitangi celebrations, the grand dame of waka, Ngatokimatawhaorua, celebrated its 70th anniversary this year on the water.

The waka played a major part in ceremonies for the 170th commemorations of the signing of the Treaty. Organisers are expecting the largest flotilla of waka - up to 23 are attending, bringing 1000 paddlers.

In 1940 Ngatoki was commissioned by Princess Te Puea to mark the 100th year of the signing of the Treaty. Selections for the final 80 kaihoe or paddlers had been made and many understood that it would be a special honour to get onboard this year, Mr Conrad said.

"The waka is a living thing, it has its own wairua [spirit], and you know when you're sitting on it you're sitting with your tupuna [ancestors].

Ngatoki also made an appearance in the Hokianga last week at the re enactment of the signing of the treaty at Maungungu Mission house which hundreds attended. There is a special significance with Hokianga and the original Matawhaorua and Ngatokimatawhaorua waka which journeyed from Hawaiki captained by Kupe and then by his descendant Nukutawhiti which he finally settled in Hokianga.

Kaua e rangiruatia te hā o te hoe; e kore tō tātou waka e ū ki uta.

‘Do not lift the paddle out of unison or our canoe will never reach the shore.’

This proverb serves to emphasise the importance of all working together to succeed in any joint project

Will Kupe return to the Hokianga once again

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:31:00 +0000

From New Zealand Herald "Iwi debates Kupe's return" by Yvonne Tahana

He is a mountain of a figure in Maori oral history, who left these shores claiming he'd never be back.

But now Hokianga Maori are debating whether bones Tahitians claim are Kupe's should be brought back to New Zealand.

A delegation from the Hokianga were invited to Maupiti Island last year to talk to local people about koiwi/bones and other artefacts first studied in the 1960s by a Hawaiian archaeologist. In the past decade they've also been re-examined.

During the visit, Maupiti people told the delegation that, based on their own oral traditions, they believed the bones were Kupe's. They also asked if Maori would be open to taking them back to New Zealand.

No decision was made but Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa and other northern iwi are discussing the situation.

There are many sides to this debate, korero, discussions about their return to Hokianga. Yes, our Hokianga oral traditions say Kupe returned to his home in Hawaiki...the question is was he welcomed back? or did another family line, chiefly line take his place as Ariki?
If they were welcomed back to Hawaiki with open and loving arms then why the heck are they wanting them to come to Aotearoa!!!!
Automatically, my alarms start ringing.

The people are split in Hokianga, are split within Ngapuhi and Te Rarawa. Some say bring them back to Aotearoa so they can be worshipped and great monuments can be erected. Others, say no; let them rest in peace in Tahiti.

Either way a decision needs to be made. WHAT DO YOU THIHK? If you have any more information about this kaupapa let us know.

Heartland Hokianga video online

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:27:00 +0000

Hokianga Heartland 1993

170th Anniversary Treaty Celebrations

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:59:00 +0000

New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Mangungu Treaty Event Committee & e-Hoe Waka Education Trust invite you to attend a commemoration of the 170th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi at Mangungu Mission House, 12 February 2010.

This event is in honour of the 170th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty, New Zealand’s founding document.

The focus of the day includes recreating the single largest gathering of Maori and Pakeha to sign the Treaty at Mangungu, Hokianga, in 1840.

In conjunction with local community groups, events planned include a Waka voyage, Church Service, Mihi Korero, a re-enactment of the Treaty signing, stalls and entertainment.

the Treaty at Hokianga

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:50:00 +0000

Mangungu mission near Horoke in the Hokianga was established in 1828 as the second Wesleyan Mission station in New Zealand, the first being destroyed in 1827. This house was built in 1838-1839 for the Reverend Nathaniel Turner.

It came under the protection of Ngapuhi leaders Eruera Maihi Patuone and Tamati Waka Nene because of their influence\mana with Maori and Pakeha in the Hokianga Harbour.

Patuone and Waka Nene also played a pivotal role in the signing of the Treaty at the Mangungu mission on the 12 February 1840. There was great opposition but finally 64 Hokianga chiefs added their signatures\marks before a crowd of 3,000 people mostly Christian(Wesleyan, Anglican and Catholic) Maori.

A full account by Lt. Governor Hobson to Sir George Gipps of the signing at Mangungu and the events that followed after the signing can be viewed here. An epitome of official documents relative to Native Affairs and Land Purchases

Learn more about:

Treaty of Waitangi

The Waitangi Tribunal

Treaty of Waitangi in art

Book review: Not for oneself, but for all

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:24:00 +0000

Title: Not for oneself, but for all Ehara moku, mo te katoa: the past 150 years of schooling in Rawene.

Author: Claire Kahu White

Publisher: Rawene School 2009

To purchase book or photographs: Rawene Primary School

The research of this book has taken several years to compile regarding the history of education at Rawene, 150 years of schooling. Actually, the title is quite deceiving.

The book does focus on schooling but really this is a story of the birth of one of the earliest European towns in New Zealand.

Each chapter deals with two or three decades at a time covering schooling but also includes family history, industry, health, church and war. For descendants and ex-pupils, teachers and parents the photos of classes, sports days and school events and the oral histories will be a real delight. For the historians there are some real gems that perhaps haven’t seen the light of day like old township maps, architectural drawings and sketches.

This book is excellent and I was drawn into the book by its theme, content and it’s storytelling narrative. I cannot help to think though there’s more to the story than what the author has been able to pack into this respectable 218 page sesquicentennial book.

Get your hands on a copy and get reading.

NZ Herald article on Rawene

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:56:00 +0000

As part of a holiday series looking at famous NZ towns the New Zealand Herald takes a look at Rawene.

In the article it says "it's one of the oldest European towns" in the country predating Kororareka it goes on to highlight the dog tax wars one of the last Pakeha\Maori conflicts of the 19th Century (that is questionable?)

Why is it when you mention Rawene and its history the media tend to focus on the Dog tax war? Which does not sum up Rawene's rich history and character. Heck it doesn't even illustrate the relationship between Maori and Pakeha in the Hokianga. There was a lot of intermarriage between Maori and Pakeha and new family lines being established in the 19th century like the Cochranes, Clendons and Yates to name but a few.

If you want to read more about Hokianga and Rawene then get down to your local library and get this:

Hokianga by Jack Lee, I recommend this book because it is well researched and has a mixture of formal and informal sources. And it's well written.

And there is the Hokianga Historical Society with some fantastic material.

Anyway don't mind me I'm having an episode. So let me know your thoughts are ok?

New Zealand Herald article here: Rawene: industrious little spot where dog tax sparked war

Online history of Rawene here: Hokianga's history

Ngapuhi Festival 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:02:00 +0000

The theme for this years Ngapuhi festival is "Reaching out" making a connection with Ngapuhi people where ever they may be in the country or the world. It is a great opportunity to celebrate and highlight our place and people to visitors to the region too.

There will be arts, food and entertainment for the whole weekend, an exhibition kicks off the celebrations starting 27 January 2010. Artists exhibiting include Shane Cotton-painting, Manos Nathan-pottery, Te Rangi Kirkwood-glass, and Maureen Lander-fibre textiles to name a few.

There will also be stalls to buy good Maori food, and locally made crafts and wears to take home with you.

For more information on events and stalls check it out here: Ngapuhi Festival 2010

Stay, relax, be inspired

noreply@blogger.com (Whina) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:01:00 +0000

Take the time out in January\February to stay in the Hokianga for a relaxing time by yourself or with family and friends.

Hokianga offers more than your usual tourist hype. It offers unspoilt tranquil views, sandy beaches and friendly locals - its simple and rustic.

There's good fishing spots if it takes your fancy, or discover the history of the area or take in a cappacino at the cafe in Kohuhoku or Rawene.

Northland is also known as the Winterless North so if you find accomodation is booked during Jan\Feb book later on in the year, or go camping. Homestays is another option but most of all, enjoy your time in Hokianga and let it inspire you!

For more information check out : Tourism Hokianga

Are you a fan of the Strength of Water?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:09:00 +0000

The beautiful, harsh and vibrant environment and the people of HOKIANGA take centre stage in this film launched earlier this year. It opened to good reviews an excellent start in the world of film for well established playwrite Briar Grace Smith.

I havn't seen it yet so I simply can't comment but it looks good from the footage I have seen. Let everyone know your views and whakaaro right here!!!

and become a fan of the film on facebook. http://www.strengthofwater.com/

From: http://www.mindfood.com/ by Alicia Hamilton

Kimi and Melody are the central characters in the film, which is set in the close-knit Maori community around the Hokianga in the far north of New Zealand. When a mysterious young man named Tai (Isaac Barber) wanders into town, the twins are quick to befriend him. When Melody takes Tai to visit the local junkyard, they encounter the vicious dog that belongs to the twin’s older brother, Gene. To protect themselves, Tai and Melody seek refuge in an old freezer, but they soon realise they are locked in. Melody, with her debilitating asthma, dies from the lack of oxygen in the freezer and Tai is blamed for her death. The film then explores the ways in which her death affects Tai, Melody’s family and Kimi, who doesn’t initially accept that his twin sister is gone forever.

In the film, New Zealand's picturesque landscape is employed for reasons aside from the typical visual spectacle. “We wanted to use the landscape almost like another character in the film, another presence,” says Ballantyne. “The landscape is a very big part of New Zealand culture. You can’t go half an hour and not hit the coast, we’re very connected to the landscape. And for Maori a lot of mythology is connected to the landscape.”

Our Hokianga - Hokianga Historic Society

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:55:00 +0000

An interesting link to Hokianga history and the tireless work of the Hokianga Historic Society. Two things that caught my eye were Hokianga Census of 1838 and 1846. I was doing a whakapapa search of Robert Hardiman and found him in the 1846 census married to a native woman.
Why was this little peice of information really important?
It helps to track him and what he was doing at the time creating or adding to a timeline to ensure I've got the right guy.
Great stuff Hokianga Historic Society!
http://www.ourhokianga.com/