Free community event to celebrate region’s resilience after a tough time

It’s been a tough three years.

With a pandemic, major flooding on both sides of the Whangamoa Saddle, and the rising cost of living, those residing in Te Tauihu (the top of the south) have faced a lot.

An iwi-backed trust says it’s now time to both recognise the challenges faced in the top of the south, and to celebrate the region’s resilience, by getting the community together at a free community event.

The event, Tu¯ Nga¯tahi, will be held at Rutherford Park next month.

Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Trust pouwhakahaere rauemi Dr Lorraine Eade said the afternoon would feature free entertainment, with kai and market stalls.

It was important to acknowledge all Te Tauihu had been through, she said. ‘‘It’s about taking some time out to relax, connect and simply have some fun.

‘‘In the space of three years, we’ve been living with Covid-19, its lockdowns, its hospitalisations, its mamae (hurt), and still today we are experiencing its ongoing effects,’’ Eade said.

‘‘So Tu¯ Nga¯tahi is about bringing our communities together to celebrate our resilience as a rohe – a ‘gesture of unity’ and an acknowledgement that we have all come through some pretty difficult times.’’

Eade said the event, being backed by Ma¯ori organisations in the area, would be about bringing the region together and unifying the community, as the chosen name, Tu¯ Nga¯tahi, translated as a gesture of unity.

On the main outdoor stage, local acts will perform, with the feature act being Wellington band Big Little Ro¯pu¯.

Organisers are encouraging people to bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy the afternoon.

The event will be on the same day as Te Matatini Herenga Waka Tangata Festival, the pinnacle event for Ma¯ori performing arts, which is being held this year in Auckland. A livestream of Te Matatini will be set up in the foyer of the Trafalgar Centre.

‘‘We know many wha¯nau will be travelling to Auckland that weekend for the big event, but we thought let’s also take this chance to introduce the magic of Te Matatini to the wider community,’’ Eade said.

Tu¯ Nga¯tahi is a collaboration between Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Trust, local Ma¯ori business network Toiere, and Wha¯nau Ora commissioning agency for the South Island Te Pu¯tahitanga o Te Waipounamu, with the support of Te Whatu Ora and the Nelson City Council.

Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Charitable Trust was set up in 2021 by the eight iwi of the top of the south to benefit the health and wellbeing of the community, particularly Ma¯ori communities.

■ Tu¯ Nga¯tahi, Saturday, February 25, 2-6pm at Rutherford Park.