Wahi Tapu
CULTURAL MONITORING
Fourteen whānau members and some invited manuhiri took part in a three-day cultural monitoring wānanga at Urenui Pā in January 2023, facilitated by MaryJane Waru. We had agood mix of kaumātua, experienced monitors and keen new monitors ready to support this mahi that allowed good sharing and an exchange of knowledge and best practice in cultural monitoring. Topics covering health and safety, cultural safety, professional standards and best practice reporting were explored. This wānanga was both a good knowledge refresher for experienced monitors and initial training for prospective monitors who could be available to support ongoing building and infrastructure projects with earth works affecting Wāhi Tapu and Tūpuna Awa within the rohe. Ngāti Mutunga cultural monitors have supported residential builds across Onaero and Urenui, NPDC maintenance work, infrastructure projects and the Powerco line upgrade. This work has been completed to improve the security of power supply within Urenui. The NPDC Water Pipe Replacement project has completed phase 1. Phase 2 extending from SH3 to Ritimona Street, including Ngapapa, Ngakoti and Nikorima Streets will comence in early 2024.