hongoeka community plan sept 2012

7/30/2019 Hongoeka Community Plan Sept 2012

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HONGOEKA COMMUNITY PLANKa oho te wairua, ka matra te tinana, ka aroha ki te aroha, ka k te rama.

September 2012


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Whakataka te hau ki te Uru

Whakataka te hau ki te Tonga

Kia mkinakina ki utaKia mhanahana ki tai

E a rawa ake te raHe tio, he keho, he hauhungaTihei mauriora

Let the cold west and south winds

That assail the land and sea, desist

Let the red-tipped dawn come with a touch of frost

A sharpened air

The promise of a glorious day

Here we stand


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HONGOEKA COMMUNITY PLAN

Ko Whitireia te maunga

Ko Raukawakawa te moana

Ko Kenana te awa

Ko Hongoeka te marae


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The Hongoeka Community Plan has been developed through a series of 15 community hui held between September 2010and August 2012 at Hongoeka Marae. The Hongoeka marae committee has led this process, actively supported by PoriruaCity Council through its Village Planning Programme.

The marae committee, of which all Hongoeka Whnau are members, is the contact point for the plan and will oversee whatneeds to be done. The working committee will consult with the Hongoeka community through marae meetings, e-mail andspecial hui. Some of the work will be undertaken by the marae community itself and will form part of marae planning andaction. With other more complex tasks we look forward to working with PCC and other organisations, to ensure that thevision for our community is carried through.


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Hongoeka and its Community

Hongoeka is situated at the northern, coastal end of Plimmerton. It consists of six large land blocks, an area which these days extends from the

urup (cemetery) boundary at the end of Moana Road, to Haukpua (commonly known as Big Bay). The residential area is situated inHongoeka Bay itself and takes up flat land and lower hillsides. It is bordered by bush clad hills and farmland, and looks out over a broad sweep

of rugged coastline towards landmarks Whitireia and Mana Island. Beyond the island on a clear day, the South Island is outlined, dominated in

the winter months by excellent views of the snow clad mountain known asNg Tapuwae Uenuku.

Hongoeka was originally part of one of three Ngti Toarangatira reserves set aside for the perpetual benefit ofNgti Toa (Porirua Deed 1847) following the Crowns acquisition of Porirua in 1847. This reserve originallyencompassed an extensive area from the northern end of Mana Esplanade through to the Wainui Stream which

passes through Queen Elizabeth Park. Today, however, Hongoeka is the last remnant of all three Ngti Toareserves that has remained in Ngti Toa hands (though now in individual rather than iwi ownership).

All front properties in Hongoeka, whether residential sections or coastal blocks, cross the formed road and

continue down to mean high water. Therefore the beach is private property and public walking access is provided

by generosity of the landowners. Prior to the introduction of the Foreshore and Seabed Act, riparian rights

extended well out beyond mean high water into Te Moana o Raukawa (Cook Strait). These customary rights have been utilised and handed

down over successive generations from the time Ngti Toa first settled at Hongoeka in the 1820s. Hongoeka was an important fishing and foodgathering area and remains so to this day.

Ngti Toas traditional home was in Kwhia, where the Tainui waka originally made landfall. In 1820, because of ongoingconflict, and under threat of annihilation by more numerous traditional enemies, Ngti Toa left Kawhia their centuries-oldhome. Under the leadership of Te Rauparaha, safe passage out of Kawhia was negotiated and thus began an arduous,

dangerous and eventful trek where many lives were lost. The whole journey from Kawhia to Te Moana o Raukawa was

named Te Heke-mai-i-raro. By 1840 Ngti Toa had become the dominant iwi on the Kapiti Coast. They had alsoconquered territory in the South Island, and controlled large areas on both sides of Te Moana o Raukawa from their island fortress of Kpiti. Butafter European settlers arrivedNgti Toa was seen as a threat to the Crown whose ambition was land acquisition.


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So in 1846, by order of Governor Grey, Te Rauparaha was kidnapped from his principle residence at Taupo P, where the Plimmerton Pavilionnow stands. He was held captive aboard HMS Calliope for ten months and then imprisoned in Auckland without trial for an additional eightmonths. It was during this time, with Te Rauparaha being held to ransom by Grey, that most of Ngti Toas land was acquired b y the Crown, asunder duress Ngti Toa negotiated his release.

Hongoeka Marae is one of two Ngti Toa marae in the Porirua area. The other is Takapwhia Marae in Elsdon. Thereare two Ngti Toa marae in the South Island: Wairau P Marae in Blenheim and Whakat Marae in Nelson. The SouthIsland marae are not solely Ngti Toa.

Hongoeka Whnau

In recent times, knowing that it had been a dream of former generations, we at Hongoeka decided that a wharenui(meeting house) and marae complex should be established in order to provide a gathering place for the community, as

well as a cultural repository of Ngti Toas history and traditions. We believed that a wharenui, and all theunderstanding that goes with it, would benefit future generations.

Three decades of planning, fund-raising and voluntary work culminated in the purchase, renovation and alterations of a

residence that eventually became the kitchen and dining room. Following that came the building of the carved and

decorated wharenui. The wharenui was given the name Te Heke-mai-raro in commemoration of those ancestors whomade the epic journey from Kwhia to the Cook Strait area.

All contributed to this work and it was fortunate that we had among the whnau, most of the skills, expertise andgenerosity needed to achieve what we had set out to do. The gifting of additional land by one of our whnau ga ve us therequired space. Other voluntary contributors included leaders, elders and organisers, planners, designers,

fundraisers, historians and genealogists, builders, plumbers, labourers, cooks, carvers, weavers and artists. Many, many

spare-time hours were dedicated to the multiple tasks.Te Rauparaha

Hongoeka Marae


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The wharenui was opened by Te Arikinui Dame Te Aatairangikaahu on 19 April 1997 at a dawn ceremony, made all the more dramatic on that

early morning by gales, heavy rain and a thunder storm! About a thousand people came to celebrate this event.

The wharenui is a place of learning for our Hongoeka whnau. Exterior and interior carvings tell of history andancestry. Woven tukutuku panels, some traditional and some contemporary, have stories and proverbs attached

to them which extol values and philosophies and also denote the land and sea environment. The painted kwhaiwhai panels likewise havewhakatauki (proverbs) attached to them, and embody history, beliefs and principles by which we may live our lives.


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Our own use of the marae is various. It is the venue for monthly meetings, special meetings for the discussion of family matters, land meetings,

fund raising, youth activities, the teaching and learning of te reo, waiata and traditions. Computer classes are held there on a weekly basis. It is

also the venue for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, Christmas dinners for the elderly and childrens Christmas parti es. Mostimportantly the marae is the place where our dead lie during tangihanga, as mourning, ritual and ceremony take place.

However, our marae is a shared facility which accommodates many hundreds of visitors each year. This is a very important aspect of its use.


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As a campus for Whitireia New Zealand, it provides a weaving course. It is a conference venue for government departments such as Health,

Education, Corrections, Fisheries, Inland Revenue and Tourism. Such groups may wish to enhance their understanding of Mori tikanga,language, life and customs, or discuss Treaty issues, especially where

relevant to their places of work. Scientists, researchers and members of

the medical profession have found our marae a conducive place for

seminars. It has provided overnight accommodation for those on their

way to present their causes to parliament.

Our marae has hosted many local

schools, pre-schools, community

groups and associations. In thecompany of a variety of artists,

performers and sports teams, as

well as groups of indigenous

people from other parts of the

world, we have been able to take

part in many kinds of cultural

exchange. The marae has been

the venue of film shoots in whichwhnau members have beeninvolved in a range of ways. Art exhibitions and workshops have been held here, and in partnership with

Te Papa, tonga workshops have been organised.

The term marae in the context as used above, refers to the whole complex which includes the wharenui, the area of land in front of it, theurupa, the dining room, the ablutions and other related buildings.


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The traditional meaning of marae refers to thecourtyard in front of the meeting house. This is the

Marae tea orthe marae proper, which is undercertain restrictions in regard to its use and function.

In Hongoeka we often refer to the whole area as ourmarae. We may say for example that we live at themarae. It is a manner of speaking. The maraecomplex is the only communally owned land but no

one resides there. In the residential area we own

our own homes and sections on individual titles.The coastal blocks and blocks to the rear of the

residential sections, owned by some of the families,

are in multiple ownership.

For official purposes the marae is an Incorporated

Society viz Hongoeka Settlement Inc. of whichwe as Ngti Toa landowners are all members byright of genealogy. This membership of course,

includes many land owners and land beneficiaries

who now live outside of Hongoeka, perhaps in other

parts of the world. Along with spouses, who also may be landowners, we make up Hongoeka Whnau. Kaitiakitanga (guardianship) is veryimportant to us. We see ourselves as caretakers, not only of the land and sea environments, wildlife and resources, but also of tribal and family

knowledge, history, traditions, values, arts and language.


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VisionHongoeka is unique, not only in its history and environment, but also because it is one of the very few places where tangata

whenua - the home peopleare able to live on their land in close proximity to their home marae. Also it is the largest areaof Mori owned land in the Porirua district. It is our purpose to retain this uniqueness, and to continue our connectedness tothis very special place.

Our vision for our community is that:

our descendants will continue to live in Hongoeka on their own lands as owners and caretakers of it the bay, waterways and foreshore will remain clean and protected the native bush will be preserved for current and future generations the marae and wharenui will continue to function as the cultural and spiritual centre of the community our community will become more self-sustaining.

Priorities for action:Zoning and storm water issues are highlighted in the action plan. Difficulties of access and run off have been identified

as barriers for those wanting to build on their land. Some of these problems are historic and will require creative solutions.

Terms and concepts used in this plan which may have various interpretations are to be defined by the community. The community will be

involved in decision making on all issues which affect Hongoeka.


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"Toi t te whenua, whatungarongaro he tangata."

People come and go, but the land remains.

1. Our descendants continue to live in Hongoeka on their own lands as owners and caretakers of it

Action Who to work with First steps

a) Zoning to suit needs.o Need zoning that allow whnau to use and live on their

land, eg. that will allow people to build off private, and/orpaper roads

o Papakinga status, (collective titles). Would this berelevant/useful to some land blocks?

PCC Environment and City

Planning

Work with a planner to prepare forthe District Plan review including:

o Preparation of a physicalconcept plan for Hongoeka.

o Consider whether othercouncils policies onpapakinga are relevant oruseful.

b) Roads and lands remain private.o Legalisation of private, formed road.o Issue of road width should take into consideration the

limited amount of traffic in Hongoeka.


Planning; Asset Management

and Operations

District Plan reviewo An updated plan of the

roads and sections to be

generated by the

community with support of

Council.

c) Development is balanced with maintaining the uniqueness ofHongoeka e.g.

o Zoning should not allow building on foreshore.o No cellphone towers.o Development of access to the old urupa.o Road maintenance and walking access to be settled.


Planning

District Plan review.


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"Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana, kia teretere te karohirohi e."

May the days ignite, as sunlight on greenstone waters.

2. The bay, waterways and foreshore are clean and protected


a) Creeks and waterways are clean, flowingand safe.

o All current and future storm waterissues are addressed.

oCulverts repiped.

PCC Environment and Regulatory Services

(Porirua Harbour & Catchment Strategy);

Asset Management and Operations,

Te Rnanga o Toa Rangtira

Meet with Council officers to discussissues.

b) Public accessing the foreshore to knowthey are on private land and to respect the

area e.g. through signage, markers etc.

PCC Environment and Regulatory Services;

Leisure Assets and Services

Discussions between community andCouncil as required.

c) Marine preservation. Regeneration ofmarine life through reserves etc.

Department of Conservation; Ministry of

Fisheries, Te Rnanga o Toa Rangtira, PCCEnvironment and City Planning

Consultation and input to relevant plans(on-going).


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"Hutia te rito o te p harakeke, kei whea te kmako e k?"If you sever the roots of the flax bush, from where will the bellbird sing?

3. The native bush is preserved for current and future generations


a) Noxious plant and animal control. (e.g. ofwasps, possums, wild cats, stoats,

asparagus fern)

Greater Wellington Regional Council; PCC

Asset Management and Operations; Local

residents

Meet with relevant people from PCC andGWRC to discuss and get assistance.

b) Value and significance of the bush isevaluated and documented.

PCC Environment and City Planning;

Greater Wellington Regional Council

PCC study underway. Information willbe brought to the Marae Committee.


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"M mua ka kite muri. M muri ka ora a mua."

Those who lead give sight to those who follow. Those who follow give life to those who lead.

4. The marae and wharenui will continue to function as the cultural and spiritual centre of the community


a) The marae is seen as an asset toPlimmerton, Porirua and Aotearoa

PCC Economic Development; Plimmerton

Residents Association Build on relationship with Plimmerton

Residents Association.

b) Development of marae frontage. Build into Marae Strategic Plan.c) Beautification of entranceway. Parking. Build into Marae Strategic Plan.d) Have a marae manager. Build into Marae Strategic Plan.

Job description and funding.e) Archiving of historic documents. Pataka, Te Rnanga o Toa Rangtira Build into Marae Strategic Plan.

Investigate potential funding sources. Contact Pataka, Rnanga and Historic

Places.

Create archive room.f) The marae continues to be used as the

base for community learning. Training of

our own, to undertake necessary roles.

Wananga, Te Rnanga o Toa Rangtira,Whitireia NZ, Plimmerton school and

community

Build into Marae Strategic Plan.

g) Emergency preparedness. Wellington Region Emergency ManagementOffice, Plimmerton Residents Association

Representative of Wellington RegionEmergency Management Office to attend

Marae Committee meeting.


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"M whero, m pango, ka ti te mahi."

By the efforts of all, the work will be completed.

5. Our community will become more self-sustaining


a) Skills for self-sufficiency, e.g. fishing,gardening, food gathering, to be passed on.

Build into Marae Strategic Plan.b) Infrastructure to support people working

from home.

PCC Economic Development

c) Opportunities for development of smallindustries e.g. weaving, carving, furniture

making, film-making etc.

PCC Economic Development

d) Development of an accessible webpage. Build into Marae Strategic Plano Part of role of Marae Manager.

e) Alternative energy e.g. wind source. Discuss possibilities with whnau andidentify possible partners.


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Ahakoa iti whetRanginui pkk ahia kia ngaroE kore e ngaro

Marangaiproa son of Toarangatira

hongoeka community plan sept 2012

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