Te Whanake - Our Blog
Resolution of Whakarewa land lease issues
PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa Iwi Trust have reached a ‘milestone’ resolution with the Crown over longstanding issues regarding fair compensation for Whakarewa land around Motueka.
The agreement includes compensation of $8 million that acknowledges Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa Iwi Trust (NRAIT) has incurred rental losses, and other impacts, as a result of their lease lands being left out of 1997 reforms. The Crown has also given a written assurance that the Trust will be considered in any future reform of Māori reserved land leases.
NRAIT Trustee Paul Morgan has been involved in settlement negotiations for decades and says significant mahi has gone in by Trustees and others to achieve this result.
“This has been talked about for a very long time so it is a huge achievement to reach a resolution. The Crown has listened, and officials in particular have been very professional and supportive. It’s not perfect, but we are moving forward and that is the most important thing,” says Mr Morgan.
The Whakarewa lands were part of the Motueka Occupation Reserves and Tenths Reserves Estates and were granted to the Anglican Church by the Crown in 1853. They were administered by the Whakarewa School Board and then the Church under perpetual leases.
In 1993 the bulk of the lands were returned to NRAIT for the benefit of the descendents of the original owners. However, despite being very similar, the Whakarewa lands leases were not included in the reforms of the Māori Reserved Land Amendment Act 1997 (MRLA) which allowed for more favourable commercial terms. This disadvantaged NRAIT in many ways including the ability to earn market rents for their lands.
In 2010 the Crown paid NRAIT $5 million for rental losses from 1977 to 1998. Since then the Trust has been working to negotiate a further payment for losses since January 1998 and lease reform to put the Whakarewa Lands on the same terms as the MRLA Lands.
NRAIT Chair Rōpata Taylor says the Trust welcomes the further $8 million compensation and will continue to lobby for legislative reform and fairness when it comes to its ancestral land. He wants to mihi all those who have helped reach a resolution including past Chief Executive John Charleton.
“To be able to bring at least part of this grievance to a close and not pass it on to future generations to resolve is a huge milestone for us. This issue has been about our whenua but ultimately the settlement is for our people. Our focus is firmly is on the horizon and on the priorities of our people as we move forward with our legacy,” says Mr Taylor.
ENDS
For more information contact : Nichola Vessey, Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa Iwi Trust, 03 548 0770
Update from our Chair
Support from Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Trust
The following is an update from Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Trust
Tēnā koutou e te whānau,
Here we are again in lockdown, but in Te Tauihu many things are different this time around. A year ago, Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Trust was just an idea. Now, we are able to mobilise to help whānau Māori, just as we envisaged.
Even though it is early days, Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Trust is working across the rohe to support whānau Māori through lockdown, from the Wairau to Mohua. We have a plan in place and a response structure working alongside other agencies and NGOs. Our staff are mobilised to better meet the needs of whānau, and a big mihi to Barney Thomas, Joshua Joseph, Rebecca Mason, Vicky Thorn, Nic Coburn and Justin Carter for being part of our team.
If you or whānau have ANY questions or needs around kai, housing, employment/training or wellbeing, our hotline is now up and running. Please see further down for more on this and other information around referrals.
In terms of vaccinations, all clinics are still on with some slightly reduced capacity to account for public health measures. NMDHB is working with Te Piki Oranga and Te Waka Hauora to set up larger venues and more information will come out soon about that.
We will continue to update you as the situation develops. Until then e te whānau, kia haumaru!
Ngā mihi, Lorr
Dr Lorr Eade, Pouwhakahaere Rauemi (Operations Manager) | Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Charitable Trust
Whānau referrals
We are conscious that whānau may contact our iwi offices directly for support or staff may wonder how to connect whānau to the right places. At this point, the first point of contact for whānau should be the services they are already connected with. However, if they are not getting any response, or if they are not already under the umbrella of another agency, please have them connect with our team via the new 0800 000 116 hotline number. From here, we will assess and triage their needs. An important thing to remember is we want whānau to feel comfortable and happy to get in touch with us. For us, their needs and how to best fulfil them will always come first.
Supporting Te Pātaka
The awesome Te Pātaka network have quickly sprung into action to support whānau right across the rohe.
Our Trust – made up of the eight iwi of Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Māui – have agreed to provide immediate support for Te Pātaka, so on top of the standard kai pack, meats and bread are also being added. This is for our most vulnerable whānau, where other agencies haven’t been able to meet needs. At the moment there is enough to support about 150 whānau and our friends at Te Papa Atawhai have been awesome helping transport stock to distribution centres in Whakatū and Motueka.
The team does have limited resources, but is hoping to restock next week. If you know someone who may need help, please get them to fill out the form on Te Pātaka’s Facebook page.
Latest on vaccinations in Te Tauihu
Te Piki Oranga and Te Hauora o Ngāti Rarua, along with all our marae of Te Tauihu, are doing an amazing job supporting an equitable immunisation programme for whānau. They are providing whānau with trusted information around what is happening and have on-site vaccination clinics that are whānau-centred.
- For the latest schedule of Kaupapa Māori clinics, click here.
- To book a vaccine, click here.
- Further resources as well as a mapping tool can be found at www.karawhiua.nz
Locally, we are working with Reuben Molnar, Rangatahi Engagement Manager at NMDHB, to develop some Kai & Kōrero workshops for rangatahi, now that the age group has opened to 12 to 15-year-olds. Please let us know if you are interested in hosting a workshop and we can have a kōrero about that. You can contact Vicky, our Project Coordinator, by email at vicky@ngatikuia.iwi.nz
We’d like to remind everyone that whakawhanaungatanga is critical in our immunisation campaign to inform whānau and increase our rates of vaccination. Visit our Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest information.
You can also check out our latest Karawhiua video clips on YouTube.
Karawhiua - Kōrero with clinicians in Whakatū
Karawhiua - Kōrero with Kaitūmata Māori, Craig Shepard
Kia haumaru e te whānau!
Matariki 2021
The rise of Matariki (star cluster also known as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters) in the winter skies above Aotearoa is an important time in the Māori calendar, as it signifies the start of the Māori new year. The celebration of Matariki this year is from 19 June to 11 July 2021, with major celebrations centred around Saturday 3 July.
Historically, the Māori new year celebrations provided the opportunity for whānau to come together to acknowledge the year gone by, prepare and plan for the year ahead; to celebrate with kai, kōrero, ceremony and entertainment, and today many more of Aotearoa also join in to recognise and celebrate this important time of year.
Last year, due to alert level changes from COVID-19, many celebrations and events were cancelled, so we’re looking forward to getting out and about to celebrate Matariki here in Te Tauihu this year.
See below some of the events happening in the rohe in the coming week.
For the whānau
Karakia mō Matariki 2021 mō Puanga ki Te Uma Urupā
On Saturday 3 July 2021, with a very early start, we are celebrating the Māori New Year at Te Uma Urupā.
A 50 seater bus has been organised to transport people from Te Awhina Marae to Te Uma Urupā, where there will be an official ceremony, guest speakers, a breakfast, and of course time for plenty of stargazing.
This event requires registration. Please register via email to receive a detailed programme and further instructions juanita.semmens@ngatirarua.iwi.nz
Te Huihui-o-Matariki
Saturday 3 July from 4pm
Nelson City Council is hosting Te Huihui-o-Matariki again in 2021. A variety of stalls will be available offering a diverse range of food and refreshments, as well as Māori arts and crafts.
This year’s event will feature entertainment from local kapa haka groups (and more to be confirmed) including a performance by singer and songwriter Sianne Dougherty (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa). Sianne will be performing live with Grove Roots before the evening concludes with a fireworks display at 7pm.
Gold coin entry
For the tamariki
Matariki celebration at the Motueka Library
Friday 2 July, 3.30pm – 4.45
Join in on a fun session in the Tamariki Zone to celebrate Matariki. Listen to some wonderful Matariki stories and make a Manu iti (kite).
Free
Suitable for 4 – 12 year olds. Parents are encouraged to stay and help.
Kai available from 3.30pm 3.45pm.
Matariki Take & Make Stars
From Monday 21 June – Saturday 10 July
Pick up your free craft kit and make paper stars for Matariki in the comfort of your own home.
Matariki Poetry
Monday 28 June - Saturday 10 July, 1.00pm
Write a poem to celebrate Matariki: Te Tau Hou Māori - the Māori New Year. Write your poem in English or te reo Māori with an English translation. For all ages. Submit your poem at Motueka Library or email to janine.gillions@tasman.govt.nz
Matariki Scavenger Hunt
Friday 2 July - Saturday 10 July
Collect your entry form from the Motueka Library, discover nine Matariki stars hidden around the library, then enter the lucky prize draw. For 5-12 year olds.
Free.
There are also plenty of library based events for the tamariki in the Takaka, Richmond, and Murchison libraries. Click here for more information.
Waitangi Day 2021 in Te Tauihu
There is some awesome Waitangi Day events in Te Tauihu this year for everyone to join in. Check out what’s happening in the rohe.
Kaiteretere
Whānau fun day at Kaiteretere
Saturday 6 February 8:30am - 3:00pm
Please meet at the carpark at the boat ramp end of Kaiteretere Beach at 8.30am to walk up to Kaka Pā Point by 9am for karakia and mihimihi, followed by a kōrero on the history of this significant wāhi tapū site.
Vans will be available for our Kaumatua and less able whānau.
Waka ama, weaving and other activities will be down on the main beach from 10am.
BBQ kai at 1pm – please RSVP for catering to renee26rat@hotmail.com
Please bring your togs, towel, beach chair, sunblock and drink bottle. Water and sanitiser will be provided.
If it is wet, it will be postponed to Sunday 7 February 2021.
Blenheim
Te Pātaka o Wairau Māori Night Market
Te Pātaka o Wairau Māori Night Market kicks off Waitangi Weekend this Friday 5 February 2021 from 4-8pm at Seymour Square.
Check out their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/TePatakaoWairau/
There’s a great line up of entertainment for all the whanau to enjoy:
4pm: Ngā Taiohi o Wairau (MGC)
4.30pm: Local Legend Presentation
4.45pm: Tee + Cass
5.15pm: Emile
5.45pm: Soraya Walker
6pm: Tom + Grumpy Monkey
6.30pm: Carolynn Tipene & The Lix
7pm: Thomas Poki
7.30pm: Dj Bex
8pm: Closing Karakia
Nelson
Movie about the Treat signing
This docudrama follows an imaginary news reporter who travels back in time to cover the days leading up to the Treaty of Waitangi’s signing on 6 February 1840.
http://www.nelson.govt.nz/recreation/festivals-and-events/events-in-nelson/
Whakatū Marae Waitangi Celebrations
Whakatū Marae is holding a small event Waitangi Festival. There is still an opportunity to join the celebrations.
Where: Whakatū Marae on the grass area in front of Tumatakokiri, Rangikapua and Kohanga Buildings. Time: - 3.00pm – 7.30pm onwards
Bring umbrella and folding chair, sun-lotion and sun-glasses and a big appetite
Food: -Mussel fritters, fry bread, hangi, and more
Crafts: - Kete, Pakohe, Maori jewellery etc
Please contact me if you like to come and join us on the day- we still have sites available.
If you would like to know more please contact Carol.Hippolite@whakatumarae.co.nz
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
In 1972, a defining moment in the revitalisation of our language was seen in the Capital when 30,000 signatures were delivered to the steps of Parliament. The signatures were calling for te reo Māori to be taught in schools. 38 years later, the goal is to reach one million te reo speakers by 2040 and this week, on 14 September, marked another defining moment – the Māori Language Moment.
The Māori Language Moment was an open invitation to all New Zealanders to celebrate what makes Aotearoa unique - te reo Māori. It encouraged anyone, no matter where you are from, your age, or how well you can speak to listen, play, learn, speak, read or sing in te reo Māori for a short moment at 12pm on Monday 14 September.
Monday 14 September is also the start of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week, and while we’d usually provide a list of local activities you can get involved with, this year, due to our need to social distance, Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is largely an online national event.
So, to play your vital role in the revitalisation and awareness of te reo Māori, we encourage you to get involved this year digitally.
To make it a little more fun, we have got goodie packs to giveaway to a few lucky winners who share their photos with us on Facebook of what they’ve done as part of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.
Here are some of our ideas to use throughout the week.
- Download and play Tipu – a Māori Language learning app for all ages. Tipu will help you to learn te Reo Māori quickly! The app has an innovative Personalised Progression Memory which allows it to remember what words and phrases you know and which ones you need a little extra testing on. Download for iPhone or Android.
- Put up te reo Māori COVID-19 information posters next to English posters to assist with translation – download posters here.
- Learn a mihi appropriate for your circumstances (iwi, work, family, school).
- For comic book or Marvel lovers read Māori legend comics in te reo or English with Sanctuary: Pūrakau Evolution.
- Order your coffee in te reo.
- Do a word find.
- For a real challenge set out to learn a word a day for a year – see 365 Māori words.
Tell us what your workplace or school is doing this year for Māori Language Week – and remember to send us a photo of what you’re doing to participate to info@nrait.co.nz and you’re in with a chance to win an NRAIT goodie pack.
Ko taku reo taku ohooho, ko taku reo taku mapihi mauria
My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul
Details
- Winners will be announced on Monday 21 September
- Registered NRAIT owners residing in Aotearoa are only eligible to win the prize.
- Must send your photo through between 14-18 September
Matariki 2020
Light shows, kapa haka, storytelling, crafting, star hunting, festivals and so much more is on again this year for Matariki – the Māori New Year; signalled by the appearance of a special group of seven stars that can be seen from around the shortest day of the year.
Although the calendar is again full across the country of activities and events for all ages, things look a little different this year due to precautions around Covid-19. Festivals and events are being held in smaller locations and many events have moved to viewing and joining in online, which makes for a whole new way to experience this year’s celebrations.
This year, Matariki is celebrated on 13 July and in the middle of the Term 3 school holidays. The timing couldn’t be better with all the fun things the regions have planned.
Here’s a look at a few of the online activities and local events in Te Tau Ihu.
Join in from home
Learn how to find the Matariki star cluster
All ages | Anytime | Free
Educator Martin Langdon, on behalf of Te Papa Museum shows us how to find the Matariki star cluster in this awesome short video: https://youtu.be/h3ETD3rPnFQ
Ngā Waiata o te Pō : Sunday 12 July, 10am
Suitable for tamariki and rangatahi (6 – 17 years) | Online | Free
In episode one, Matariki, join four friends as they head off on an adventure into the forest on a camping trip, with the hope of being able to see the Matariki star cluster in the night sky. Discover music built from the sounds of nature; the whistling of the wind, birdsong and water running over rocks in the stream. Watch it here on Sunday 12 July at 10am: https://chambermusic.co.nz/matariki/
Matariki on the Move: Kōrero – Te Whetū o Te Tau: Tuesday 14 July, 7-8pm
Suitable for all ages | Online | Free
Join Professor Rangi Matamua, renowned Māori astronomer and Matariki expert for a special Matariki Festival online kōrero (lecture) on Matariki TV. He will share his wisdom and knowledge about the Matariki star cluster and its connection to the Māori new year, along with its crucial role in the Māori division of time that follows the natural cycles of the environment: https://www.matarikifestival.org.nz/2020/matariki-on-the-move-korero-te-whetu-o-te/
Check out Matariki TV here for more shows
Watch Moana in Reo Māori
For the keen Moana fans out there Disney+ in New Zealand and Australia have added Moana in Reo. Watch it with the whole whānau to celebrate Matariki.
Out and about in Te Tau Ihu
2020 Matariki Festival - Te Huihui-o-Matariki: Saturday 18th July 2020
Whole family | Neale Park, Nelson | Free
Nelson City Council invites the community to join us in celebrating Matariki. Proceedings will be livestreamed via Facebook and YouTube starting at 6pm:
- Opening Karakia | Kaumātua
- Mayors Message | Mayor Rachel Reese
- Kapa Haka Performance | Te Kapa o Kura Tai Waka
- Light Art Projects
The evening will then conclude with a fireworks display at 7pm, from Neale Park, Nelson
Learn more here: https://itson.co.nz/2020/21588-matariki-festival
Matariki activity booklet
Collect your free activity booklet from any Tasman library. You can also download directly from the Te Papa website. You may collect your booklet from 6-17 July 2020.
Learn more and download your booklet here: https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/learn/for-educators/free-downloadable-activity-books/matariki-activity-book
Let’s Discover Matariki Storytime – Motueka Library
10:00am-11:30am, Thursday 9 July and Thursday 16 July 2020
Tamariki 4 – 9 yrs | Motueka Library | Free
Our Let's Discover Matariki Storytimes are suitable for 4-9 year olds. Pre-schoolers, please bring an adult. Come and join us for some fantastic stories and celebrate Matariki! Get creative and make something exciting to take home.
Matariki rock painting MakerSpace at Motueka Library
10:00am-11:30am, Tuesday 14 July 2020
All ages | Motueka Library | Free
Come along and paint rocks with your own designs. Find a place to hide your rock and explore your local area to see what others have created. Materials provided. Bring your imagination! All ages are welcome.
Matariki star hunt: 6 -17 July 2020
All ages | All Tasman District Libraries | Free
Tasman District Libraries have hidden nine stars in and around Richmond, Motueka and Takaka libraries for you to find! You can find all nine just for fun, and scan the QR code on each to learn some fascinating star facts. The star hunt runs from 6 – 17 July.
Also be sure to check out the Matariki Festival 2020 calendar. Although these are mainly Auckland events, there is a big line up of online and virtual events to enjoy from anywhere in the country.
Enjoy the school holidays and have fun celebrating Matariki 2020.
Te Toi Huarewa o Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa
The evolution of our education funding programme
It is great to see the 2020 education funding applications are already flowing in. Our mahi over the past several years has been to expand the options so more of you can access the funding available while also working within the framework of Ipukarea – our strategic plan.
To do that, the education funding programme has been evolving and transforming to align with jobs of the future, skills that will enhance and preserve mātauranga Māori, and to respond to the feedback from the hapū.
Since 2016, we’ve expanded our grant and scholarship programme to support all our hapū wanting to further their education and training – including for education that isn’t considered a graduate degree. That has included funding support for trades training, te reo and other adult education, as well as learning support for secondary and primary school tamariki.
In 2019 we launched our Mātauranga Māori Kaitiaki Scholarship which recognises a registered NRAIT owner undertaking a Masters or PhD related to Māori knowledge – knowledge originating from a Māori worldview, and this year, we’ve created a separate grant that focuses on the pursual of advancing owners’ knowledge of te reo and tikanga.
We’ve also given our education programme an official name - Te Toi Huarewa o Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa – Education Framework as well as updating the look, and perhaps more importantly, we have renamed all the grants and scholarships to have Māori names.
A very big thank you to Pohe Stephens, our 2018 Supreme Scholarship recipient, who has done the mahi to rename the framework and all the grant and scholarship categories. Pohe has also provided the following whakatauki for Te Toi Huarewa o Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa.
Tāpiki-te-aweawe o Tāwhaki
Anything is possible when you believe in yourself
In Tainui and Taranaki lore, it was Tāwhaki-Nui-a-Hema who climbed ‘Te Toi Huarewa’ - a sacred vine leading to Te Toi o Ngā Rangi (the heavens above) in pursuit of the three baskets of knowledge. Te Uru Tau, Te Uru Rangi, and Te Uru Matua. Before Tāwhaki made his ascent, he recited the following incantation to give him strength...
“Tāpiki-nuku, Tāpiki-waho, Tāpiki-te-aweawe o Tāwhaki.”
You can read Pohe’s education journey here.
Apply for a 2020 education grant or scholarship
Education provides the pathway to empowerment, employment and mātauranga; putting you in charge of your own opportunities, and as kaitiaki of our legacy, we encourage our whānau members to seek knowledge across a range of skills that will support the development and advancement of our hapū.
While some of our funding streams focus on specific skills and subjects, any application that raises the level of general education will be considered, at all levels of learning.
So, if you have been considering applying, or considering further education – look through the grants and scholarships available and the related criteria for each one here.
We also encourage you to view and download Te Toi Huarewa o Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa – Education Framework PDF document to get a full overview of the options.
The 2020 grants and scholarships available include:
- Tāpiki-Nuku Grant - Primary Education Grant
- Tāpiki-Waho Grant - Secondary Education Grant
- Tāpiki-Aweawe Grant - Education Grant
- Toi o Ngā Rangi Grant - Te Reo/Tikanga Grant
- Uru Tau - Tertiary Scholarship
- Uru Rangi Scholarship - Postgraduate Scholarship
- Uru Matua Scholarship - Supreme Scholarship
- Tāwhaki-nui-a-Hema Scholarship - Mātauranga Māori Kaitiaki Scholarship
Ohu Maatu - Together we grow stronger
While the rules are slightly more relaxed at alert level 3, we still have at least two weeks to go before we can socialise and see our wider whānau again and it is a timely reminder that we all still need each other, and for some they need it more than ever. Whether it be a daily phone call, a ringaringa (wave) across the street, some extra groceries delivered to our doorstep, or a firewood delivery for the coming winter. There are many of our whānau experiencing the impacts of Covid-19 differently to each of us reading this.
It is for that reason many of the iwi and organisations in the Te Tau Ihu rohe are offering support to those acutely affected to try and minimise the impact as much as possible and support each other. To make it that little bit easier, we’ve compiled the support offerings that we’re either part of or we’ve been made aware of, so you can use these yourself, or share these with your whānau who need them.
Kaupapa Atawhai
A scheme to provide one-off, quick response financial assistance to our most vulnerable whānau who have been impacted by COVID-19 and the government restrictions. This includes kaumatua, people who are unwell, and people who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
This is a joint initiative alongside Ngāti Koata Trust, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama ki Te Waipounamu Trust, Wakatū Incorporation, as well as us Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa Iwi Trust (NRAIT).
Click here for more information and to apply
Covid-19 Recovery Grant – NRAIT owners only
A specific grant being offered to Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa Iwi Trust owners is the Covid-19 Recovery Grant of $100 per registered owner. This is open to all NRAIT owners. Applications close on 30 April.
Learn more about how to apply here
Urgent welfare assistance
For those living in Nelson and Tasman there is a COVID-19 helpline for those who need urgent welfare assistance such as food and clothing. This service is there for people who have no other options available to them.
Call 0800 50 50 75 and press 1 for Nelson and 2 for Tasman - the teams can work out what help is right for the situation.
A free phone line for questions about medicines
Ngā Kaitiaki o Te Puna Rongoā o Aotearoa – the Māori Pharmacists Association (MPA) recently launched a free phone line to answer questions that kaumātua or whānau may have about their medicines.
People can ring from anywhere across Aotearoa and their call will be returned within 24 hours by a Māori pharmacist.
The number to call is 0800 664 688
You can find out more about their free phone line here
Free & confidential trained counsellor
It’s important to look after our wellbeing and the wellbeing of our whānau and community as we get through this – together. Things are really tough right now for some people who live with mental illness, and also for people experiencing stress and anxiety for the first time. It’s really important you look after your mental wellbeing, so do call or text the 1737 at any time to speak with a trained counsellor. It is free and confidential.
If you’re looking for some idea about how to get through check out these top tips for getting through.
Covid-19 advice for Māori – National Māori Pandemic Group
As tangata whenua, it’s important that Māori have access to tailored and relevant information, resources and practical guidance and advice on how to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here you will find information and resources specifically for Māori about the COVID-19 pandemic. This information has been developed by leading Māori medical experts for whānau Māori.
Click here for more information
Other useful links
For local updates on the alert levels visit the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Facebook Page here.
For accurate case numbers and the latest advice on symptoms, prevention and how Covid-19 spreads visit the Ministry of Health website here.
All information about the wage subsidy, changes to payments, and new support options from Work & Income can be found here.
Click here for all Government information on Covid-19
If you have any others you think should be on this list, please send us an email to info@nrait.co.nz with the details.
Doing your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation evolves and develops in Aotearoa, and as the Government introduces new parameters to keep us all safe, it’s a timely reminder on what we can do as a community to look after one another, most especially our kaumātua who are the most vulnerable at this time.
The following are some practical guides provided by Healthline, who are currently overwhelmed with phone calls from concerned Kiwis asking for advice. If you are well, and have a question about the coronavirus, please refer to the following guides before giving them a call.
Whānau first!
- Encourage your whānau to practice good hygiene and be a role model
- If someone in your whare is sick, keep them separated from others – don’t share towels, or plates etc.
- Make a list of your whānau who are most at risk and check in on them – elderly and people with compromised immune systems (for example people getting treatment for cancer or other illnesses)
- Create a plan as a whānau – what you will do if you or someone in your whānau has to self-isolate
- Try and get enough food and medicines to last you at least two weeks and keep it stocked (don’t panic buy!)
Your place of mahi
Working at the office
- If you’re sick take time to rest and stay away from others
- Talk to your employer about your leave and what will happen if you need to stay home
- Make sure to wash your hands when you get to work and at regular times during the day
- Keep your work area clean and disinfect it regularly
- Don’t share plates, cups or utensils
- Monitor your own daily wellbeing
- Take regular breaks and exercise
- Stick to your routines – get up, get dressed
- Seek information updates at specific times during the day, once or twice. Too much information overload can be distracting and depressing
How Kaumatua can prepare for COVID-19
- If at all possible, stay away from social gatherings and groups of people
- If you feel sick ring Healthline or your GP immediately
- If you need more food or medicines, ask a whānau member to get it for you or get it delivered
- Phone your GP for a prescription and ask whānau to pick it up
- If you feel alone or scared, reach out to whānau or you can phone or text 1737 to talk to a counsellor
Where to get more information
It’s important to access reliable information from trusted sources about the coronavirus.
It’s important to seek information, but only from trusted sources and to minimize watching, reading or listening to news that causes you to feel anxious or distressed.
Here’s a list of websites and links to trusted and reliable sources of COVID-19 information.
- The COVID-19 website has all the most up to date guides and plans for New Zealand.
- For businesses needing to know their rights or those impacted by COVID-19 click here
- For information on Tikanga and Māori gatherings click here
- There are some great resources here to print and hang on the wall at mahi or a community centre
Work & Income: Information for those affected financially by COVID-19
Ministry of Health: Latest information and factsheets
Te Reo poster on How to protect yourself and others from COVID-19
Remember these three things: be kind, wash and dry your hands, stay home if you’re sick.