February has been a devastating month for whānau and communities, with the flooding in Northland and Auckland, and then Cyclone Gabrielle. We are grateful that the NPM secretariat was not directly impacted by Gabrielle. However, it was a very tense and worrying time for those with whānau in the hardest hit areas, particularly the East Coast, Hawkes Bay and Northland.
The loss of power and communication, and the inability to reach loved ones for many days, was particularly hard. Our aroha goes out to all of those whānau, marae and communities who have lost loved ones and livelihoods, and are now getting on with the momentous task of rebuilding.
Climate change has long been a key kaupapa for NPM, with recent initiatives including the publication of He Huringa Āhurangi, He Huringa Ao: A changing climate, a changing world and the upcoming International Indigenous Climate Change Research Summit in November. Much of our research and activities have focused on collective responses to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and community-driven solutions. In this e-pānui we talk to NPM senior researcher Dr Shaun Awatere about some of the shifts that we will collectively need to make to adapt to climate change now and in the future.
We are also grateful for the collective heartiness of Te Ao Māori and the ways that it comes to the fore when we need it most - such was the case with Te Matatini. The cultural extravaganza provided a much needed wairua boost for us all. The NPM secretariat and our Raumati Interns perfected the art of multitasking over the four days of the festival. The odd meeting may have been cancelled, and those of us who were tied to the office had multiple screens in action as we kept an eye out for our favourite groups. Our NPM Pou Tikanga Paora Sharples made numerous appearances, including media interviews. We want to acknowledge the outstanding work of Paora and the organising committee of Te Matatini for bringing such joy to the motu at such a difficult time. And a hearty congratulations to the overall winner, Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau a Apanui.
As the festival catchcry goes, Proud to be Māori!
Ngā Pou Matarua | Co-Directors
• Professor Tahu Kukutai
• Professor Linda Waimarie Nikora