Navigation for Te Ahi Kaa

13 March 2011

In Te Ahi Kaa this week we look at post-earthquake relief efforts in the Wellington region days after the Christchurch earthquake. Wellington marae and Māori groups pitched in and we joined them.

Pipitea Marae, Wellington 25 February 2011.

Marae are used to dealing with uncertainty and are equipped to cope, under short notice. The recent quake saw many marae around the country on standby to help. Justine Murray and Maraea Rakuraku visited Wellington's Pipitea Marae in the week of the quake to witness that effort. Port Nicholson Settlement Block Trust Iwi Liaison Officer Ben Ngaia explained the logistics and Bill Nathan of Te Roopu kapahaka o Ngāti Poneke kept a watch on tikanga Māori, while Maraea joined the legions of volunteers packaging up goods destined for Christchurch. Justine tagged along with Ana Tapiata transporting volunteers and donations to Pipitea Marae from the Toi Poneke premises which was transformed into a Welfare processing Centre.

Kia Kaha Otautahi and Kia Kaha Christchurch have become catch phrases for a series of fundraising efforts and became controversial when a T-shirt company claimed they were prevented from using the slogan by Māori clothing company Kia Kaha Clothing who own the brand. Managing Director of Kia Kaha Clothing Dan Love explains their company position.

And to finish the show, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Nga Mokopuna students Te Awhina Kaiwai- Wanikau and Manarangi Mua were so moved by the Christchurch earthquake they wrote a song - Paeheretia. We chat with them and hear their waiata.

This week's whakatāuki is explained by Manarangi Mua nō Ngāti Porou

Waiata featured: Paeheretia as performed live by Awhina Kaiwai- Wanikau and Manarangi Mua (09 March, 2011)