Ngā mihi o te wā. I maumahara te whānautanga mai o Te Ihu Karaiti.

It is amazing to consider that Christmas is almost upon us, signalling the end of 2015.

I am proud of the mahi Te Puni Kōkiri has achieved this past year – in particular the Māori Language (Te Reo Māori) Bill, the Māori Housing Network, and Te Ture Whenua Māori Reform. In the same year that marked the 175th anniversary of signing Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and 100 years since World War I it has been a momentous year.

Our Ministry has supported the Hon Te Ururoa Flavell, Minita Whanaketanga Māori me Whānau Ora in meeting with whānau, hapu, iwi and Māori throughout the year to set a pathway forward for his key priorities as set on in his first suite of accountability documents.

In the last edition of Kōkiritia for 2015, I described our four outcome areas that contribute to our vision of iwi, hapū, and whānau Māori succeeding as Māori. This vision provides continued focus for our continued mahi and achievements.

I’d like to highlight Te Pū Harakeke Fund, our recently launched approach to assist local level funding such as sponsorships, Maara Kai and Matariki to support whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori groups. Visit the website and read the application guide and forms.

Thank you for your continued subscription of Kōkiritia.In 2016 we will continue to share with you news, stories and information via Kōkiri magazine and this email pānui. You will next hear from me at the end of January with the first Kōkiritia of 2016 with a preview of the Waitangi edition of Kōkiri magazine.

Finally, I’d like to wish you and your whānau a happy and safe holiday, and the very best for 2016.

 

Ngā mihi nui ki tōu whānau!

 

Michelle Hippolite

Toihautū | Chief Executive