There will be four Manaaki Whenua events this year, aligned with Maramataka Māori. These gatherings bring together both the community and the wider organisation in the spirit of kaitiakitanga and manaaki whenua—care, protection, and guardianship of the land. In particular, the gatherings centre on the wāhi tapu of Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae, namely Te Waiunuroa o Wairaka and Rangimārie Pā Harakeke.

The mahi will include:

• Removing weeds from the banks of Te Waiunuroa o Wairaka and within Rangimārie Pā Harakeke.
• For those with the knowledge, cutting harakeke and removing dead or diseased leaves.
• Gathering litter or rubbish.
• Identifying and recording species by uploading images to iNaturalist as part of the project: Ngā Kaitiaki Taiao, Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae, Unitec.

Te Waiunuroa o Wairaka, the long drinking spring waters of Wairaka, is a wahi tapu, a site of deep historical, cultural, and ecological significance. The healing waters of this puna have nourished life for generations. The puna continues to nourish us, as well as tuna, kokopu, inanga, rongoā Māori, and many other taonga species.

At Rangimārie Pā Harakeke, named in honour of Dame Rangimarie Hetet, we acknowledge the interwoven relationships between people, whenua, and the pā harakeke. The guiding whakatauākī, Hutia te rito, reminds us that caring for the new shoots, the new generation, ensures the success and wellbeing of the whole community. Manaakitia te Rito is the vision for our Māori Success Strategy and the Renewal Strategy for Unitec, Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka. 

Hinewaimarama Tanya Reihana-White, Kaitiaki Taiao explains, “Our focus is on upholding the mauri and wellbeing of Te Waiunuroa o Wairaka and all her biodiversity, including Rangimārie Pā Harakeke, especially in the current climate of urban housing intensification. Manaaki Whenua events provide an opportunity for many hands to come together in the spirit of restorative care and kaitiakitanga."

 

Manaaki Whenua – Poutu Te Rangi (March) Schedule:

Visitors are asked to meet at the Puukenga Atrium at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae via Entry 3 on Carrington Road (see map below), and please bring covered footwear or gumboots and hand tools plus gardening gloves if you have them.

Friday, 14 March 2025

• 8:30am - Meet at Puukenga Atrium, Unitec. Coffee & Tea provided.
• 9:00am - Karakia & Introduction
• 9:30am - Mahi starts
• 12:00pm - Finish. Please stay behind for light refreshments/kai and our whakaaro: guest speaker.

Please note: In the event of rain or poor weather, we will postpone this event to another date.

 

Manaaki Whenua 2025 Calendar:

1. Poutu te Rangi (March) – Friday 14th – Ōturu
2. Pipiri (June) – Friday 13th – Rākau Matohi
3. Mahuru (September) – Friday 19th – Ōtāne
4. Hakihea (December) – Friday 5th - Ōturu

 

For more information, contact Hinewaimarama Reihana-White via hreihanawhite@unitec.ac.nz  

 

Map to Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae in Mt Albert