The upcoming Te Matatini Festival and language classes focussing on the Ngāti Porou dialect are some of the issues that lie ahead for Te Taurahere o Ngāti Porou ki Tāmaki Makaurau as they gathered in Mt. Albert for their annual general meeting.
One major issue highlighted at the event was the ability to bring their families together from all over Auckland.
Those who attended the AGM were treated to a BBQ and activities organised by Haati Naati dynamic duo, Jacks Jellick and Keita Kohere.
Barry Soutar says, “It's a time when everyone's returning home to Auckland, getting back into the routine of meetings and seeing how we can support each other.”
The less than expected turnout highlights one of the challenges of bringing the families together.
"If the meeting's in South Auckland, it's good for those out South, however those in the Western and Eastern suburbs find it hard to attend. That's one of the issues, everyone's spread out," says Soutar.
However those who did come together, young and old, enjoyed the company, the catch up, and prepared themselves for whatever goals lie ahead for 2015.
Soutar says, "A lot of our members are in various Auckland haka groups going to Te Matatini, and when they return we will focus on the language, specifically the dialect of Ngāti Porou for those living in Auckland. So the call's gone out to come and support those classes."
This is only the first gathering for Te Taurahere o Ngāti Porou ki Tāmaki Makaurau, and it's plain to see and hear, they're a hāti bunch of nātis.