Celebrating Milestones at Rereteewhioi Marae Poukai

On Sunday, 8th December, Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe attended the Rereteewhioi Marae Poukai, marking the final Poukai of 2024. This special event celebrated the re-opening of the wharenui Te Arohanui by Te Arikinui Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te Po and the 80th Poukai for Rereteewhioi—a momentous occasion for the marae and community.

For Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe, the day was especially meaningful. Two years ago, at Te Awamaarahi Marae, matua Charlie Tuhua shared the dream of opening a wharekura in Pukekohe. Today, that dream is a reality. Matua Charlie reflected, “Ehara i te whakapuaki i te wawata, engari hei whakanui i te whakatutukitanga. Kua tuuwhera Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe.” (This is not about sharing aspirations, but celebrating achievement. Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe is open.)

Students Leo Toia, Safaiah Tonga, and Kacey Lidgard presented gifts to Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te Po to honor the day. Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe is more than a school—“He waahi e whakatipu ai te reo Maaori, e ora ai te tikanga Maaori, e tipu ai ngaa rangatahi hei rangatira moo aapoopoo.” (It is a place where the Maaori language thrives, tikanga Maaori is alive, and our young people grow to become future leaders.)

The kura is a response to the "No Maaori Allowed" era, with a clear message: “We will shape our future through perseverance, pride, and unity.” It stands as a symbol of mana motuhake, showing that we control our own destiny.

We thank everyone who supported the kaupapa today and throughout the year. Special thanks to Huakina Development Trust, Te Kotahitanga Marae, Papakura High School, Te Mana Whenua Board, Waikato-Tainui, and most importantly, our whaanau and tauira for believing in us.

Ka tuku atu i aa maatou mihi maioha ki te hunga katoa o too taatou hapori i aawhina, i tautoko i te whakatuunga o Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe.

Ngaa mihi nui,
Te Kaahui Whakahaere