Potaua biasiny-Tule:Water hui part of long journey

It is in the experience where our learning most happens. Each generation lives in its time, surrounded by the knowledge and wisdom that has been passed from one generation to the next.

We seek to apply our own understanding to the world in which we find ourselves and while we might not be perfect, at least we are brave enough to face chance and to make the most of every opportunity. In a challenging few weeks, the Maori news wire has intensified as King Tuheitia called all whanau, hapu and iwi together at Turangawaewae marae in Ngaruawahia.

Over 1000 people heard the call, with many from Te Arawa attending, and the korero became a positive next step in this longer journey for our people.

The Government then called its own Water Consultation hui. The first meeting in Hamilton was boycotted by King Tuheitia and many Waikato-Tainui hapu with only a dozen people turning up. Shame, eh.

Apparently there was hui held here in Rotorua, with Bill English having a talk, before heading over to Taupo where Te Arikinui Tumu Te Heuheu said they wanted to continue to korero ki te kanohi a te Karauna, which is fair enough.

From what we heard, Te Arawa had a strong presence in Taupo, with each hapu asking questions directly related to their awa, moana. Koro Toby Curtis has said a wider Hui-a-Iwi ki te kaupapa a Wai Maori will be called soon, so stayed tuned for that one.

I would like to mihi to Arapeta Tahana who is hosting hui for Ngati Pikiao, which talk about our visions and dreams for tomorrow.

On behalf of Ngati Pikiao Iwi Trust, the kaupapa is to imagine ahead, to think back and then to build a process where all whanau and hapu of Ngati Pikiao can learn, share, grow and prosper together.

Speaking of Pikiao, for all ex-members of the Ohau Maori Youth Club, the 50th Golden Jubilee is coming up.

In August 1962, the Ohau Maori Youth Club was born. Through the vision of people like Uncle Rota Taiatini, Uncle Tata Williams, Irirangi Tahuriorangi alongside our wonderful kuia Nanny Mihi Garry to name but a few, the tamariki from Mourea were able to begin the journey of kapahaka.

The golden jubilee is on November 16-18 and will be a good opportunity to come together and share memories, laughs, waiata and haka. For more information, please see Aunty Te Maari Whare, Ellen Tamati or Maia Mihaka.

Also last week, it was cool to sit with whanau our age and talk about issues from our point of view. It is interesting to be one of the "in-between" generations, where we are able to sit and learn from our elders and at the same time, can encourage younger rangatahai and tamariki to be whatever they want to be.

This group is called Te Arawa Rangatakapu and is a group of like minded young Te Arawa who actively want to give back to our communities. If you're interested in learning more, get in touch with Taria Tahana. Look forward to supporting the awesome mahi from this inspired roopu.

And may I pass on all of our love, support and many best wishes to Hera Naera and whanau, for their loss. When a loved one passes in Maoridom, it is on the last night when the many whanau and friends join to pay respects and reminisce and our tupuna whare, Tunohopu, was full at the poroporoaki a George Naera. Ki roto i oku manawa me tonu ake e te Rangatira. Tena koe. Tena koutou.