Our marae grounds have been getting extra attention lately as a group of young missionaries have weekly manaaki whenua (caring for the land) sessions, facilitated by Kaitiaki Taiao, Tanya White.
The partnership started over a year ago when leaders of a local church contacted Whaea Tanya to offer their assistance. This group of missionaries come from countries including Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, Hawaii, Kiribati, Philippines, Indonesia, Australia and various states of America including Indiana and Utah. They are on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Part of their mission includes providing service to local communities where they are based, spending at least six weeks or more in each area before moving on to assist in another community. They also give regular service to the Auckland City Mission and similar organisations.
Every Friday, those who are available spend a few hours on campus under the guidance of Whaea Tanya. As well as helping to care for our Pa Harakeke (flax and surrounding area), puna and marae grounds, the young people learn about Māori culture and the workings of our marae. They enjoy the wonderful hospitality offered by our marae team, and in turn support the upkeep of our grounds.
Whaea Tanya commented, “I’ve noticed the beautiful wairua that these young missionaries bring. They are a long way from home. Giving service at Te Noho Kotahitanga marae, and making connections with the whenua (land) and the people here, has enabled them to feel welcome and part of the community.
The tuna come out to greet them when they’re by the puna, and the Tui dart in and out close by when the missionaries are in the pā harakeke.
We all work in together, shoulder to shoulder with the Corrections whānau. There is a lot of laughter, and a lot of good work being done. We weave our stories together and we miss them when they move on.”
Jess Aranui, Taurima Marae, supports this initiative. “It has been an honour to have our whānau from the Mormon church to bless us at the marae through the pā harakeke working bee mahi. It was amazing for them to join in for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori sign language of the national anthem. They are always a pleasure to have at the marae and we look forward to continuing our hononga/ partnership with each other. Mauri ora ki a tātou.”
Nick Hanvey, Operations and Infrastructure manager has been impressed by the group.
“This team of conscientious and caring missionaries have provided us with service and mahi, but more importantly this has given us an opportunity to learn from them. The way that they have given so much of their time and aroha has been fantastic. The connection they have forged with the whenua, led so beautifully by Tanya has been very humbling and gives us great opportunities for future partnerships.”
The missionary group leaders said that it has been an amazing opportunity to volunteer at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae.
“As we have assisted in the upkeep of the marae grounds, we have both witnessed many positive changes to the natural surroundings of the marae. Hopefully these changes haven’t only been on the physical appearance of the grounds but also on the hearts and spirits of the people there.
We hope it has helped the Unitec students, local residents, and visitors feel at home when they enter the Marae because we definitely have” said Elder Fukofuka and Elder Hapairai-Teura (zone leaders for Auckland area).
“He mihi maioha ki tēnei whānau ngā tungane of the Mormon faith. Mā a rātou ngākau māhaki, ā rātou ringa āwhina, ringa manaakitanga, ringa tautoko ki tō mātou whenua ko Rangimatarau me tō mātou pā harakeke, wai puna, marae hoki. Ahakoa mai i tāwahi kē rātou, ka mauria mai rātou te kaha ki te mahi tahi i runga i te rangimarie. Ka tau kē.” (Whaea Lynda Toki, kuia of Te Noho Kotahitanga marae).
