Te Aratu Trust

21/10/2026

Today we headed out to Lake Ōkataina to walk the Te Auheke Track.
We started our day with a mihi to Ngāti Tarāwhai, followed by karakia and whakawhanaungatanga, where we welcomed two new whānau into our rōpū.
From there we made our way through the ngahere, with our main navigators leading the way, learning to follow the orange markers and keeping us all on the right track.
We eventually made it to the cascades, where we stopped for a kōrero about the benefits of te taiao on our hauora, particularly when we're experiencing mental or emotional distress.
One of the things we talked about was how te taiao can often provide us with the answers we're looking for. Sometimes it's just about knowing where to look, taking the time to slow down, and being open to what our surroundings can teach us.
After our hīkoi, we came together for a final kōrero about how everyone found the day. The feedback was all positive, with everyone sharing how much they enjoyed the experience.
A great way to kick off Term 4 for Te Ara Tāne. Plenty of walking, kōrero, connection and a bit of a workout for the legs too! 😁
Te taiao, whakawhanaungatanga and collective hauora.

19/10/2026

Kia ora whānau.

Some notices for this week.

Wednesday - Stuart will be doing the van pickup run.
Michael & Gloria will be away at training.

Wednesday - Tāniora will be back running his Te Ara Tāne roopu
(please see the picture for information if you would like to go with Tāniora).

Wednesday - Whaea Nicky would like to take Ākonga to the Fordlands māara kai to work with Kaumatua Greg in the community garden 🪏 🌱.
All welcome.

Thursday afternoon - Renee, a Health Promotion Community & Whānau Wellbeing Advisor will be coming to catch-up with Whaea Nicky to korero about potential community projects.

Friday - Tāniora will run the Te Ara Whānau roopu - all welcome (Tāne & Wāhine).

Friday - Sailability starts at Okawa Bay.
Korero to Whaea Nicky if interested.

Next Monday is a public holiday - Labour Day.
Te Aratu Trust will be closed on this day.

18/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Nickie and Renata who came to visit us on our open day from Rotorua Boys' High School. They won the prezzie cards!! Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill in the surveys 😊

18/10/2026

15/10/2026

Kia ora whānau,
remember our
Open Day is āpōpō
even if it is raining we will still be going ahead 😃

08/10/2026

𝐇𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐡𝐢 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐡𝐚, 𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐤𝐢 𝐤𝐢 𝐚 𝐤𝐨𝐞, 𝐞 𝐭𝐞 𝐤𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚̄𝐭𝐮𝐚, 𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐮.
𝐊𝐮𝐚 𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨̄𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐢 𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐨 𝐧𝐮𝐢 𝐚 𝐓𝐚̄𝐧𝐞.
𝐇𝐚𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭𝐮 𝐫𝐚̄ 𝐤𝐢 𝐭𝐞 𝐤𝐚̄𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐭𝐮̄𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐮 𝐦𝐨̄ 𝐭𝐚̄𝐭𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐚.
𝐌𝐨𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐢 𝐫𝐚̄ 𝐢 𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐢 𝐭𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐦𝐚̄𝐫𝐢𝐞.

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our kaumātua and long-serving Trustee, Anaru Te Amo.

For 14 years, Anaru served Te Aratu Trust with dedication, wisdom and quiet strength. He was not a man who needed many words. His thoughtful manner, careful attention to detail, and willingness to ask the questions that mattered made a lasting contribution to the growth and progress of Te Aratu.

At the heart of Anaru’s contribution was his genuine care for people. He remained focused on ensuring that the safety, wellbeing and interests of those Te Aratu was established to serve were never lost sight of.

Anaru gave generously of his time, his knowledge and himself. We are deeply grateful for his years of service, his guidance as a kaumātua, and the contribution he made to the kaupapa and whānau of Te Aratu Trust.

E Anaru, tēnei te mihi ki a koe mō tō manaaki, mō tō tautoko, mō tō ū ki te kaupapa.
Thank you for walking alongside us and for all that you gave.

To Anaru’s whānau, the whānau of Te Aratu Trust extend our deepest aroha and condolences at this very sad time.

Mā te Atua koutou e manaaki, e tiaki i tēnei wā pōuri.
Haere, haere, haere atu rā.

06/10/2026

What a beautiful atmosphere it was at the trust this afternoon with our music tutor Al jamming, chatting, and enjoying time with one of our Ākonga who loves music.
So lovely that they decided to have the session outdoors on this gorgeous day 🌞

🎵Video in the comments

30/09/2026