2017 was a great year – with many activities for our whānau to get involved in. There will be another year full of events, activities and special occasions in 2018 to look forward to. This year is especially important to NRAIT and our owners, as it marks the 25^th anniversary of our Trust. 

Waitangi Day – Tuesday 6 February

178 years ago, the first signatures were added to the Treaty of Waitangi by Māori chiefs and the British Crown. On Waitangi Day, we recognise the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and can reflect on the journey.

The English and Māori versions of the Treaty are very different, and so what each party thought it was agreeing to also differed significantly. For the next 150 years Māori were greatly afflicted as a result - including our own tūpuna who lost ownership of the Whakarewa lands in Motueka.
Learn more about the background issues of NRAIT relating to the Treaty here.

This Waitangi Day, head along to Te Āwhina Marae for their Waitangi Open Day.
It is an opportunity to learn more about Te Āwhina Marae, Turangāpeke, and the tangata whenua.
NRAIT Trustee Paul Morgan will also discuss The Treaty of Waitangi, constitution, citizenship as well as other topics.

Pōwhiri begins at 3pm and is gold coin koha entry.
There is also a takeaway hāngi available from 6pm, ($10 each). Make sure you have purchased your tickets prior to collecting.

Kai Fest – Sunday 8 April

A highlight of last year was definitely heading along to Motueka’s very first Kai Fest. With performances, great kai and beautiful weather, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the abundance of kai that is sourced from our rohe – the land and the ocean.

We’re looking forward to another exciting event, make sure you head along too!

Ohu Maatu – 27 – 29 April

2018 is a special year to the Trust, as we celebrate our 25^th anniversary. We are pleased to have the opportunity to connect with you all, celebrate our achievements and share kōrero of our tupuna, during Ohu Maatu.

While the weekend is full of fun activities and plenty of chances to catch up with whānau, the hui-ā-tau is the most important part of Ohu Maatu. It’s a chance for you to have your say to ensure your whānau is represented and connected with the business activities of the Trust. During the hui-ā-tau tamariki will have organised activities to keep them busy, but they’re not the only ones having fun.

Every year we do a tour of the rohe to share the kōrero of our heke, our whenua and the struggles along the way.

We will be sharing details on Ohu Maatu 2018 soon.

Matariki – 15 June

As with each year, Matariki is a celebration of the Māori New Year. It is when we rejoice in new beginnings, remember the past and celebrate the present.

During Matariki we also take the time to look back at those who have passed and have been returned to Papatūānuku. Historically our ancestors would view the Matariki stars with grief and tell Matariki the names of those who had gone since the stars set. During this time of remembrance, we also celebrate the future through different rituals and activities. Celebrations include the creation and flight of kites and lanterns, cultural performances and waiata from our tamariki, and hāngi. We also celebrate the rising of Matariki by re-telling our kōrero to our whānau.

There are many events around the rohe to celebrate and recognise Matariki. We will keep you updated on Matariki events nearby.

We’re looking forward to a great year – and hope to see you at Ohu Maatu this April.