1552 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
1 day ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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9 hours ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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1 day ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 40.9% Yes
    40.9% Complete
  • 33.9% Maybe?
    33.9% Complete
  • 25.2% No
    25.2% Complete
472 votes