Kaitono create memorable Waitangi experience for Te Mātāwai

This year’s Waitangi week celebrations were extra special for our Tumu Whakarae and Investment Facilitators who were grateful to be invited by Kaitono Cheryl Meek and Albert Cash to take part in the iconic occasion at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Cheryl and Albert help run Te Reo o Ngātokimatawhaorua, a kaupapa proudly supported by Te Mātāwai that brings to life the histories, oral traditions, and ancestral knowledge of kaupapa waka to a new generation of kaihoe. They are known for leading the annual waka ceremony at Waitangi.

As part of the celebrations, our team had the exciting opportunity to join the kaihoe on a quick paddle from Waitangi to Haruru Falls, soaking in the beautiful scenes of Pēowhairangi (Bay of Islands).

This also provided our whānau in Te Tai Tokerau with a moment to mihi to Poia before he wraps up his time at Te Mātāwai.

Investment Facilitator for Te Tai Tokerau, Hauiti Kohatu said he enjoys being able to travel to meet and learn from Kaitono.

  “It was an honour to be invited to partake in one of the biggest events on the Māori calendar.

“Not only was it awesome to paddle across to the falls with our boss in tow, coming to Waitangi means that we get to strengthen our relationships with Kaitono”, he says.

Tumu Whakarae, Poia Rewi was humbled by the send-off.

He shares, “It’s not often that I travel to Te Tai Tokerau, so to be here feels very special. I’m grateful to Cheryl and Albert for the invitation.”.