He Whāriki mō Paekoau is Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust’s annual planting day, bringing together mokopuna, pakeke, kura, kohanga reo, hapū, and partners to restore the mauri of Paekoau Stream.
This year’s kaupapa took place at Kaiti Kaanga – Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust, beginning with karakia led by Hakeke McGarvey, trustee of Te Tawa Kaiti. Among those gathered were students from Whakatāne High School’s Marine and Land Environment Studies, overseas exchange students, Nga Whetu ō Tawera Kohanga Reo, and many others who contributed to preparations — including site clearing, planning, kai organisation, and logistics.
At the close of the planting, Meadow Kelly-Heke, mokopuna tuarua of Hakeke McGarvey and a mokopuna from Nga Whetu ō Tawera Kohanga Reo, stepped forward to bless the kai. With the supportive presence of her kaiako, Tania Daniels, Meadow’s karakia brought the day to a close in a way that truly embodied the kaupapa — mokopuna grounding us in tikanga, whakapapa, and aroha.
He whāriki nā ngā pakeke, hei oranga mō ngā mokopuna
Shaped by the hands of our mokopuna, restoring the mauri of Paekoau, honouring whakapapa, and planting for tomorrow.
🌿 Shout-out to everyone who rolled up their sleeves, prepped the whenua, packed the tools, sorted the kai, and stood alongside our mokopuna to make this day a success. Your mahi is deeply appreciated.
Together, we planted native trees, shared kai, and strengthened our collective commitment to healing and protecting our taiao.
🤝 Acknowledging Our Partners
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many kura, hapū, marae, and organisations who supported this kaupapa:
Paneteure Marae, Ngahina Marae, Te Taraipara Ruatoki, Te Uru Taumatua, Nga Whetu ō Tawera Kohanga Reo, Tawera Kura, Whakatāne High School, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Whakatāne District Council, Fonterra, ANZ, Goldsmiths Accountants, Landvision, Ruatoki Farms Cluster, Trees for Survival, HALO.
