Environmental Hui A Success

Monday, 23 April 2007, 1:13 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

April 23 2007

More than 100 children, parents and grandparents gathered for the inaugural Ngati Kahungunu Taiao Hui a Iwi in Tamatea (Central Hawkes Bay) 20/21st April.

The event, held at Te Aute College, featured field trips to a local herbal cottage business, a bio dynamic organic farm, water testing on the Tuki Tuki River and trips to sites of historical significance to the local hapu, including Lake Poukawa and Lake Rotoakiwa.

Participants had a chance to speak to Ministers Pita Sharples, Meteria Turei and Parekura Horomia about environmental issues and engaging in traditional food gathering practices.

At his dinner address, Minister Horomia said, "I am proud to part of such an important event that is acknowledging our tamariki and mokopuna. There is clear focus by Ngati Kahungunu on getting our kids involved and succession planning."

The large number of tamariki and rangitahi attending meant that the field trips were tailored to youth and family educational experiences. During speeches and down time sports sessions and art space provided opportunities for tamariki (Preschoolers through to secondary school students) to express themselves through a range of mediums and activities.

Prizes were awarded to all tamariki and included sprat lines and environmental books. One group of children produced a video of their rabbit hunting and eel fishing experience. This was shown during the conference and saw them receive a snapper rod and reel set. Other prizes were given for looking after siblings, being the scientists and environmentalists of tomorrow, being inquisitive on field trips, being enthusiastic during the workshops and producing outstanding art work.

Parents and grandparents commented on the fact that , "The children were engaged like sponges, thirsty for knowledge that is found about and around us, outside the classroom."

The more youthful participants said. "It is awesome learning about eeling, plants and making medicines," "I enjoyed the bus trips to the lake, we had a trick question, when is a lake not a lake, answer, when it is drained and planted and used for a cornfield".

Participants were keen for this event to be followed up with more local events and for the Ngati Kahungunu Taiao Iwi to be held on an annual basis. Some of the artwork produced by the younger participants will be on display in the Ngati Kahungunu Boardroom. A record of the conference proceedings will be posted on the Ngati Kahungunu Iwi website in Mid May.

ENDS

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