Waipareira welcomes the New Year at Whanaungatanga Day

For 40 years now our starting point for the work year has been connection and relationship strengthening with whanaungatanga day.

The sun shone through the day filled with fun and laughter. It was a great way to help us transition out of summer holiday vibes and into mahi mode. The day began with a pōhiri welcoming our new kaimahi onto Hoani Waititi marae. Since it opened in 1980, to establish a safe place for nurturing Māori values in an urban environment, it remains still - our place to gather and unify.

The Rōpū Kaumatua gathered with us, grounding us in our history, as they witness the next generation take up the mantle for our mokopuna and guide us in our mahi with their wit and wisdom.

The kaikōrero of the day laid down these intentions as we look to the mahi we must do in the year ahead of us, with board treasurer, Evelyn Taumanu, speaking on behalf of Chair, Ray Hall, expressing: "You have all come a long way, but have a long way to go and a lot more to learn. To those who join us on their first day, we wish you well. 'Kokiritia i roto i kotahitanga' - this was created for Waipareira on 25 February 1982 and I leave that with you. May we all work together over this new year and may your year be full of joy and growth."

COO Awerangi Tamihere, reflected on 2024 and brought us into our focus and purpose with whānau:
"Last year we had an incredible year and we want to thank all of you for your mahi. It's not until you take the time to reflect when you realise what we've done. When you go back out to work with whānau this year, remember you are there to give them hope and belief."

Our whakataukī was embodied in the day and continues to reverberate through the post hikoi energy with which we begin this year: Kokiritia i roto i te kotahitanga, progressively act in unity.

This speaks poignantly to the intention with which we enter this new year, with an awareness of ourselves and the importance of this mahi to ensure the future is bright for our mokopuna.