952 days ago

Dr. Taku Parai from our local Iwi, Ngati Toa.

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

Maori Language Week, and a good moment to welcome Dr. Taku Parai from our local Iwi, Ngati Toa.

After an exchange of preliminaries between Dexter Traill and Dr. Parai in te reo Maori, Taku went on to describe his upbringing, the history of his Iwi, and what the future holds.

Taku comes from a large family centred on the Takapuwahia Marae. His father was a Maori All Black and went to great lengths to launch his sons into various trades.

Taku has had a varied career, first as an electrician and then as a historian, after enrolling at Victoria University. He was awarded a PhD in Norway, after studies involving the Sami indigenous people of Scandinavia.

Following growing unrest about Crown acquisition of Maori land, the Waitangi Tribunal was established in 1975. It was not until 2010 that Ngati Toa’s claim was settled. The settlement was seen as satisfactory by the Iwi, and it has enabled the development of a wide range of enterprises and services.

The Iwi is looking forward to major investments in housing, in collaboration with local and central government, and training and employment opportunities for young Maori.

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.5% Yes
    91.5% Complete
  • 8.1% No
    8.1% Complete
  • 0.5% Other - I'll share below!
    0.5% Complete
1328 votes
1 day ago

Lest we forget...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.

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2 hours ago

Gardening !section clean ups

Ian Hamilton from Natures choice gardening services - Aotea

Need some TlC in the Garden ? Call us for a free quote- here in the photo we are transforming a deadly nightshade lawn back into a usable area

0272430951

Ian