Ruihana’s involvement with Te Hoiere Project began in 2020 when he joined Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Kuia as Te Pou Hapai Taiao, responsible for representing the iwi on cultural and environmental matters. He lives in the catchment in Motuweka (Havelock) with his partner and three children so is deeply connected to the whenua.
Looking back at his time involved with Te Hoiere Project, Ruihana said one of the powerful aspects that resonated with him from the outset was the strength in unity – kotahitanga – that Te Hoiere created. “It was a bringing together of different people in the room with shared aspirations.”
“The governance structure of Te Hoiere Project is unique in Marlborough – it has really set an example, not only of how the structure of representation can be effective but what can be achieved as a result,” he said.
Ruihana sees Te Hoiere Project as an intergenerational kaupapa or cause. “Regardless of whether funding finishes or not, the kotahitanga – the unity – remains.”
One of the restoration projects as part of Te Hoiere Project which Ruihana was involved with from its inception was Ruapaka Wetland, a place he is deeply connected to as his great-grandmother grew up there and his tīpuna (ancestors) are buried at the urupā nearby.
“We had the aspirational goal of restoring this degraded wāhi tapu (sacred place). This is a very important place for my whanau, so to be involved with its restoration has been significant on a personal level for me.”
Ruihana made special mention of the value of the relationships he now has with “project whanau” including Department of Conservation, Forest & Bird, the forestry sector, Havelock Community Association, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency as well as Council.
So, as Ruihana ascends a newly trodden path of his own, his commitment endures to the people of Te Hoiere who continue their path to work together to restore the mauri of Te Hoiere land, waters, and coast.
Ko te whāinga matua ko te whakarauoratanga o te whenua, o ngā wai, o ngā tai moana e matomato ai te tipu, e mauri ora ai te tangata.
