Kia ora e te whānau,

Welcome to the first-ever edition of Pakaru Pānui! As we step into each month, we want to use this space to reflect on the month that passed. We’ve got heaps of cool stuff to share with you. Whether it’s what’s happening around the community, updates on our various kaupapa, or a chance to connect with us at our upcoming events, we’re here to keep you in the loop!

Pakaru Pānui isn’t just about updates; it’s about us, our voices, and our journeys together. So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and dive in. We’re stoked to have you here with us as we celebrate, learn, and grow together.

Mauri ora,
Pakaru Pānui

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August Highlight - Alice Springs Haerenga ‘24

Our Mokoboys had the privilege of attending the LEGO Family Spirit Conference ‘24 in Mparntwe (Alice Springs, Australia). They presented alongside three other Indigenous peoples, the First Nations British Columbians, Arrernte people, and Native Americans. Our rangatahi were the highlight of the trip. They connected instantly with all other Indigenous rangatahi and tamariki, teaching them our games, learning one another’s languages and spending time with the Pertame people out bush.

“These youth are inspiring to all First Nations youth. The confidence and strength in which they stand brought me to tears” - First Nations British Columbia Elder

The Toi Matarua rangatahi leaders facilitated a 4-day rangatahi conference with over 70 attendees. The focus of the kaupapa was on ancient knowledge and practices of oriori, pūrākau and maramataka to educate rangatahi on Indigenous ways of calming the mind, settling the spirit and relaxing into a deep sleep, combating anxiety and overstimulation while developing tools to be shared with their whānau, hapū, and iwi.

Some of the outcomes were the launch of our own audiobook to help rangatahi sleep, short-films, music videos and social enterprise business plans. The best social enterprise business plan was ‘Shamrock Services’ from Shamrock Boxing. They were awarded the $500 start-up fund!

Our MokoBoys took their Māku Organics stall down to the first ever Toitū Te Reo Conference! They were flooded with fans (mostly Nannies lol) who recognised their hard mahi and wanted to support their kaupapa.

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Undiscovered

Recruiting for our 2024 Youth Production

Well e te whānau that is us for this month! Don’t forget that we also have a monthly piece in the Tihei Kahungunu and Hawkes Bay Today. Follow the link to stay updated, otherwise…

Catch yous next month - DOITZ!

Proudly made in Kahungunu, our specialty Kawakawa balms not only offer natural care but also support our community. All proceeds from your purchase goes directly towards MokoBoys, a community initiative run by Toi Matarua that employs local youth in the Hawkes Bay region to provide free home care services to our elderly. Driven by community needs and entirely self-funded, the employment of these rangatahi is made possible by the sales of our Kawakawa balms through our social enterprise arm - ‘Māku’.