Hokonui Rūnanga Mahi Update Hui
The team at Hokonui Rūnanga has grown significantly since staff supervisor Linette Sinclair first became involved 23 years ago.
Linette Sinclair speaking to Hokonui whānau about her long involvement with the organisation
“…this organisation has really grown not only in numbers of people but in capability. The capability here now has grown beyond our dreams”
Established in 1987 the rūnanga is managed by Terry Nicholas – the driving force behind the organisation’s transformation from humble beginnings to it’s current capacity delivering a range of whānau services and building spiritual, cultural, social and economic growth.
Terry Nicholas introducing staff at the hui.
On Tuesday 22 February 2022, a special hui was held at the rūnanga to update members and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu of the mahi currently undertaken by the ever expanding Hokonui team.
Staff and associates presented updates on a variety of kaupapa including education and training; alternative education; biodiversity enhancement and the environment; COVID and emergency response; Whānau Ora navigators; partnering with the E Tū union; upcoming Leadership wānanga; and clean energy opportunities.
The hui was also attended by Arahia Bennett (Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu CEO) and Mike Pohio (Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Holdings Chair).
Arahia Bennett and Mike Pohio from Te Rūnanga o Ngai Tāhu attended the hui via Zoom.
Arahia stated that:
“Some of the core themes that I’ve picked up from many of you … is about wellbeing and pathway planning and engaging right from our tamariki , our rangatahi, our pakeke, and right through to our kaumatua- being involved in flourishing and growing your community”
“To see you here today and know that you are immersed in the wider Hokonui and the Murihiku community – I think things are going to get better and better for you”
“A massage pat on the back to yourselves … it’s (Hokonui Runanga) has just grown and grown. It’s our job and our duty to look beyond here and continue to support you to develop.”
Mahi updates
A summary of the main Hokonui mahi updates is provided below:
Kaitoko Matauranga – general overview
- Have Alt Education Unit contract for surrounding 5 schools.
- Te Hurihanganui pilot – with Ministry of Education and Waikato University (see Stuff article from 26 January 2021).
- Sit with MoE on recruitment panels for lead advisors – done the last 7 with them for the local region
- Working with police with newly formed organised crime project for Murihiku
- Working closely with Oranga Tamariki (OT) – recruiting in the next few weeks for the Kairaranga. Also re-shaping our local panel.
- Te Tapu o Tane project with the four rūnaka in Murihiku
- Representing on the inland group for Wakatipu – with the seven rūnaka.
COVID and emergency response
Hokonui Rūnanga is a Level 3 MfE accredited organisation. We are one of the 7 community connecting contracts in Murihiku. Currently we must ‘man’ our email process from 8am to 8pm 7 days a week. We have a timing schedule to report back immediately when a referral comes in regarding someone isolating due to COVID. We cover the entire Murihiku and up to Central Otago as well.
Actively involved in anything COVID related in rohe and across the takiwa regarding COVID and emergency response – helping people in general.
Alternative Education
Have up to 11 students – ranging from Year 9 to Year 12. Currently have 7 students.
All of the students are currently doing NCEA Level 1 – which is aimed at Year 11 students. Even though not all the students are at that year level they all do the same – on the same waka together.
This term and term 2 – focussing on literacy in English. Term 3 and 4 will be Maths.
By the end of this week (week 3 for us) the students will have achieved the first 3 of 10 literacy credits.
Engage with whānau in keeping them up to date through social media. Have a FaceBook page for whanau to engage.
We use and adopt a whare tapa whā model in our space so we ensure we are catering to the needs of our ākonga – and not just making sure they fit into a box.
Got a robust and full schedule for this year.
End of last year held a greenstone wānanga – amazing experience.
Kaimahi always engaging in professional development. Currently working with Ivan and Linda (Ministry of Education) to adapt a programme of transitional pathways for our rangatahi
Biodiversity
Been a busy space – 13 employees in the Taiao unit. Plus whole rūnaka effort.
Currently engaging in 3 Jobs for Nature projects.
1. Hokonui Hills and Haumuri (Croydon Forest) – biodiversity enhancement and pest control, weed, control, planting.
2. LINZ – also got capacity building element – seed collection Kaupapa. Seed collection goes to Te Tapu o Tane (collaboration between 4 papatipu rūnanga of Murihiku)– established a nursery in Invercargill – strategic hui yester with 4 rūnanga – looking very promising. Financial modelling looking good.
3. Job for Nature in the Catlins with DOC – biodiversity and pest control.
Whānau Ora Navigators
Work with whānau to support them to be self-managing and natural leaders in their own environment. It’s about setting goals and creating pathways for them to achieve those goals and aspirations.
Professional development – Abby and Karena have skills in mental health. Although they don’t work in ‘crisis’ situations – do have skill sets to refer on and deal with it in the first instance.
Posted: 24 February 2022