Huhana Watene.

Ngati-Porou

Tena koutou e te whanau, whanui

He mihi mahana kia koutou. Ko wai au? Ko Huhana Watene nee Waiti toku ingoa, Te Tumu Whakarae, Māori Te Hautu Kahurangi TEU. Ko Hikurangi te maunga, ko Waiapu te awa, Ko Iritekura te marae, Ko Waipiro Bay toku kainga, ko Ngati Porou toku iwi. I am pleased to share my whakaaro about Matariki this year, specifically relating to the star Waitī associated with freshwater and my role as part of TEU’s transformation as a Tiriti-led, co-governed union.

Kaupapa tahi: I was surprised when I learnt my maiden name was the same as one of the Matariki stars. Waitī is a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural environment, particularly freshwater resources. Her importance is highlighted with her twin sister Waitā associated with sea water. At the back of our marae in Waipiro there is a freshwater lagoon which is further filled with sea water, each high tide and as a child I only knew it was a safe place to swim. With maturity, one is able to make connections relating to names, and traditional knowledge, and the kōrero about how the Matariki stars are now part of our Waiti korero at our whānau noho at Iritekura marae. Whakapapa gives us our substance.

“Kaua e wareware ko wai koe ki to whakapapa – Never forget who you are, your strength is in your whakapapa.”

Kaupapa rua: The union has had a significant impact on me as a wahine and my teaching career. My father was a Wharfie at the Ports of Auckland, my grandfather worked in a factory and was a union delegate, so it was in my DNA to join the union – move forward 30 years and I have the absolute privilege to work alongside Dr Julie Douglas to lead a co-governed and Tiriti led union with an equal number of tangata Māori and tangata Tiriti members on National Council – ka mau te wehi. I believe we have laid a “sound foundation” (he Whitinga). I truly believed my role was to be part of a team committed to introducing co-governance and develop and implement a united voice for all TEU members – based on mana enhancing practices. A big ask, and yes there is much more to be done. Our whāinga promotes nga piki me nga heke – there will be many ups and downs but in the wise words of Sir James Henare.

“We have come too far not to go further; you have done too much not to do more.”

Mauri ora e te whānau, it is now time for a new regime to progress this amazing kaupapa. In the new year I leave this role feeling quite content, especially following engagement kanohi ki te kanohi with our members – most satisfying and I appreciate that many of our new branch leadership roopu are striving to embed co-leadership at the branch level, miharo! Thank you to the many who engage with karakia and whakawhanaungatanga practices to assist with developing and forming strong union relationships. My transformation has been an exciting experience engaging with politicians, CTU, the Runanga, and the many campaigns TEU either initiate or support, nga mihi maioha. Matariki has highlighted my amazing experiences and most definitely I celebrate the honor being the first Te Tumu Whakarae Māori for Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union. One’s growth through experiences is a lifelong journey and so the transformation continues.

"Mā te kimi ka kite, mā te kite ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama”, This whakataukī emphasises the journey of learning, from initial seeking to gaining understanding and wisdom.