Latest news with #NgātiPorou
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Ngāti Porou rūnanganui boss George Reedy resigns after four years
'It is not often you cross paths with someone whose leadership blends mana, humility and sharp strategic thinking, and that's the kind of leader George Reedy is.' Reedy was instrumental in forging a strong relationship between the Rūnanganui and council, she said. His leadership was evident through joint efforts in regional economic development planning and civil defence emergency management, 'spaces where trust and collaboration matter most', Thatcher Swann said. Reedy's vision and drive led to the creation of over 150 new jobs and a significant increase in their contracted income, Ngati Porou Tiamana (chairman) Patrick Tangaere said in a statement. 'It is with both gratitude and regret that I announce the resignation.' Under Reedy's leadership, the iwi navigated 'some of the most challenging and turbulent periods', including the Covid-19 pandemic and cyclones Hale and Gabrielle, he said. 'George played a pivotal role in the establishment of Ngāti Porou Oranga and the expansion of health, housing and social services for our whānau and communities of Te Tairāwhiti.' Tangaere also acknowledged Reedy's role in strengthening Ngāti Porou's strategic relationships with local and national iwi, across Government and with other key stakeholders. Reedy left Napier to come home and take up the position, he said. 'It was a powerful expression of his service to his iwi, reaffirming his dedication to the people and whenua of Te Tairāwhiti,' Tangaere said. The statement did not give a reason for Reedy's resignation. Reedy has been approached for comment. East Coast National MP Dana Kirkpatrick said it had been a privilege to work alongside Reedy, having known him for a few years. They had been delighted with the work he had overseen at the Puhi Kai Iti Community Health Centre, and recently with creating its urgent and after-hours care, which was significant for the people of Ngāti Porou and the region, she said. 'He has served the community well, and it has been an honour to work with him.'
RNZ News
03-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
'One big whānau': New Zealand mens softball team eye World Cup title
The Black Sox are the most decorated in men's softball history, winning 7 World Titles and totalling 13 medals. Photo: Grega Valancic / WBSC The New Zealand men's softball team are looking for redemption at this years World Cup, with a key focus of bringing a sense of whanaungatanga back to the squad. The Black Sox qualified for the 2025 WBSC Men's Softball World Cup in July last year, under the guidance of their new head coach Thomas Makea , a Hall of Famer, four-time world champion and three-time NZ player of the year. Eight teams are set to fight for the championship at this whakataetae (competition), which is one of the most expected events in the history of mens softball. The World Cup Finals will begin on 8 July in Prince Albert, Canada. Black Sox Head Coach, Thomas Makea, a Hall of Famer, four-time world champion and three-time NZ player of the year. Photo: Photosport Makea (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Marama, Ngāti Makea Ki Rarotonga), the first Māori head coach of the Black Sox, brings a wealth of experience and connection to the sport, having been coached by his own father to coaching his sons, Reilly Makea and Dante Makea-Matakatea. Reflecting on his coaching career, Makea told RNZ it was always something he was "supposed to do." "Growing up and as I got older, I just thought that's what I was supposed to do, give back." The New Zealand Black Sox as a team are not shy of success, having won the Men's World Championship a total of seven times, becoming World Champions for the first time in 1976. The side have won a medal in 13 of the first 15 World Cups, and appeared consecutively in the World Championship Final 10 times from 1984 to 2017. They are the most decorated softball team in history. However, in 2022, the Black Sox had a disappointing finish on home soil, where they placed 8th. Makea said they are determined to improve on their last World Cup performance, and creating a "brotherhood" plays a key role in that goal. "[The Black Sox] have come a long way over the last few years," Makea said. "We all know where they've been in 2022 and where they finished and how they finished, so [this year] it was about getting them to really play for each other, play for not only themselves but also their whānau and where they've come from." The New Zealand Black Sox are set to compete at the 2025 WBSC Men's Softball World Cup in July. Photo: Paul Hodgson/ Makea said for the past year the side has focused on both on-diamond and off-diamond relationships, to foster a sense of whanaungatanga within the squad. "It's just about being connected with one another and really working hard together." The concept of tuakana/teina, where younger players are mentored by their older counterparts, has also played a key role in bringing the boys closer together. "We've got a couple of tuakana from the past that have come back to help all these teina in this team. It's been a great connection that way too." "When we need that experience on the field, it's awesome to have those guys around to show the younger ones the way." He said this years side is a "quality team" and has the offensive and defensive skills to make the podium. "We're one big whānau with a team-first attitude." Reilly Makea (pictured) is playing in his third Mens Softball World Cup and has been marked by the WBSC as one of the top 8 'stand out' players to watch. Photo: Grega Valancic / WBSC What is not unknown to the softball community in Aotearoa is the strong whānau connections within the sport. Amongst this years World Cup team is four sets of brothers, two of which are Makea's sons. 'Whānau plays a massive part in this of the team is whānaunga," he said. "Most of these boys, their grandfathers have played, their fathers have played and I'm sure down the line their kids will carry on in that legacy." "It's just part of our sport. And it's massive for us too." The Black Sox's taiaha 'Te Awhiorangi' was gifted to the side back in 2013 and has since been bassed down through generations of teams. Photo: Grega Valancic / WBSC As the boys prepare to take the diamond, they will bring with them a special taonga from back home, a taiaha, Te Awhiorangi. The name Te Awhiorangi holds deep significance in te ao Māori. It refers to a legendary adze said to have been used by Tāne to separate Ranginui and Papatūānuku, severing the sinews that bound them. The taonga is also connected to stories from when Māori tūpuna came to Aotearoa. Some kōrero say it came here aboard the Aotea waka with Turi, others say it was brought by Tamatea-ariki-nui on the Takitimu waka and later passed down to Ngā Rauru through whakapapa. In both purākau (stories), Te Awhiorangi helped each tūpuna overcome challenges faced on their voyage. The name Te Awhiorangi is often translated as 'The Encircler of Heaven' or 'The Embrace of the Heavens.' Jerome Raemaki leads a haka for the New Zealand Black Sox at the 2025 WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Qualifier in July 2024. Photo: World Baseball Softball Confederation - WBSC The Black Sox's taiaha was gifted to the 2013 World Series Black Sox team by Hawke's Bay Māori art practitioner Charles Paringatai. This taonga was gifted to the 2013 World Series Black Sox team by Hawkes Bay Māori Art Practitioner Charles Paringatai. Since then, it has been passed down through generations of teams. "Once I got the job, I took that rākau back home to get blessed and to start my journey... It's a special taonga for us," Makea said. To mark the beginning of their World Cup campaign, the boys will come up first against Canada on Wednesday 9 July at 2.30pm NZT before they take on Argentina on 10 July, 2:30pm NZT. To tautoko the New Zealand Black Sox, whānau can catch the action via GameTime - the only official Live Stream provider.
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Māori-Owned Construction Group Expands Nationally With Major Acquisition Of PAE New Zealand
In a landmark move for Māori enterprise and New Zealand's facilities management sector, Kā te Rama Switched On Group (majority owned by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira) has acquired PAE New Zealand, one of the country's largest commercial facilities and asset management companies. The acquisition (effective 27 June) creates a uniquely iwi and New Zealand-owned Group with the scale and experience to deliver end-to-end facilities management, asset management and maintenance services (FMS) nationwide. It brings a Māori-owned, Amotai Registered business forward as a national provider for both the public and private sectors. 'Bringing PAE NZ's 30-year legacy alongside our Group's 40-plus years in construction and social housing will help us build more long-term partnerships with property owners who need a total facilities management solution. It's a huge opportunity for a Māori enterprise to deliver national FMS services to government and large commercial organisations,' says Kā te Rama Switched On Group Board Chair Paul Rogers (Ngāti Porou). The strategic acquisition showcases the capability of Māori-owned businesses to scale significantly and provide top-tier, national services across sectors. Ultimately the Group aims for its growth to enhance more living and working environments to achieve positive community outcomes. 'The growth of the Group aligns with our Ngāti Toa Rangatira intergenerational vision to advance wellbeing and prosperity to achieve a state of Mauri Ora. We work with partners who share our focus and values to achieve enhanced cultural, environmental, social and economic outcomes. Infrastructure plays a major role in influencing the wellbeing of communities, and this helps shape community outcomes that enable healthy and prosperous living,' says Ngāti Toa Rangatira Chief Investment Officer Boyd Scirkovich (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Rakaipaaka). Switched On Group has long been a trusted provider of community housing facilities management, complemented by construction services including fit-outs, refurbishments, and new builds. The acquisition of PAE NZ significantly expands the Group's capability to deliver commercial and government contracts, while maintaining a commitment to local service delivery and local impact. 'Our people, trade partners, and the communities and local economies we work across will all benefit from our now national presence and impact, which is all part of our growth plan,' Rogers says. PAE NZ, established in 1991, has a strong track record in FMS, managing 4,000 buildings and completing more than 230,000 maintenance jobs annually. Previously owned by global corporations, the move to local shareholding is a strategic decision to grow the business further while continuing to deliver longstanding contracts with local clients. 'Our commitment to our clients remains unchanged, but now we're part of a 100% New Zealand Group that shares our focus and values. Together, we're creating a one-of-a-kind, kiwi and iwi-owned national facilities management provider that will benefit Aotearoa,' says Chris Pile, PAE NZ Chief Executive. The two organisations are already beginning to work together, having secured a significant multi-year opportunity where PAE NZ will manage the contract and care for large assets, and the Group will deliver specialist social housing FMS. 'Our emerging mahi together shows the immediate value of our combined strengths. We're now able to offer a more comprehensive, integrated service that enhances the quality and local benefits our clients expect' says Rogers. About Kā te Rama Switched On Group Kā te Rama Switched On Group is a whānau and iwi-owned construction and facilities management business, founded by the Hughes family in Christchurch in the 1980s. The Group has deep roots in social housing and has grown to deliver fit-outs, refurbishments, new builds, and FMS services across Aotearoa. In 2021, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira became shareholders, and the Group is now majority Māori-owned and Amotai registered.
NZ Herald
27-06-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Hilton Collier to take Tairāwhiti Whenua Charitable Trust helm as first CEO
Trustees of Tairāwhiti Whenua Charitable Trust have announced the appointment of Hilton Collier (Ngāti Porou) as the organisation's first chief executive officer. The organisation describes itself as the largest network of Maori landowners in Aotearoa New Zealand, focused on providing opportunities for the economic advancement of landowners. Members of the
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Toi Iho: Māori Mark Of Authenticity Honoured On The Global Stage
Toi Iho, the mark of authenticity and quality for Māori art and artists, has received an Honourable Mention in the 2025 Jeonju International Award for Promoting Intangible Cultural Heritage (JIAPICH). This prestigious award, sponsored by UNESCO and the City of Jeonju, Korea, celebrates outstanding efforts to protect and promote living cultural traditions worldwide. Founded in 2002 as a response to the cultural appropriation and misrepresentation of Māori art, Toi Iho is an independent, Māori-led organisation that upholds the integrity of Māori art. Through registration, it champions Māori artists who demonstrate cultural authenticity, and artistic excellence. 'Toi Iho is more than a mark, it's a movement, a symbol of mana, identity, survival, and future potential,' says Elizabeth Ellis CNZM, JP (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou), Chair of the Toi Iho Charitable Trust and Senior New Zealander of the Year 2025. 'This recognition affirms the importance of protecting the integrity of our stories, our artforms, and our ways of being in the world.' This year saw a record number of applicants for JIAPICH, with global interest driven by its new Ambassador-at-Large programme. The award, hosted by the Center for Intangible Cultural Studies in Korea, recognises work that crosses borders to protect cultural heritage for future generations. The honour for Toi Iho underscores the global significance of Indigenous-led cultural protection and innovation. It signals a growing international commitment to cultural sustainability and the rights of Indigenous peoples to define and safeguard their own heritage. 'This Honourable Mention belongs to the many Māori artists, organisations, and supporters who work tirelessly to protect and promote our living traditions. It's a call for all societies to value and uphold the richness of Indigenous cultures,' says Ellis.
