Taipa Marae General Hui Minutes
Date: Sunday, 2 August 2026
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Venue: Taipa Marae
Chairperson: David Poharama
Minute Secretary: Lyn Poharama
Opening Karakia: Jimi Pene
1. Attendance
Present
- Jimi Pene
- Trudy Allen (online)
- David Poharama
- Lyn Poharama
- Aisha Rogers
- Eileen Popata
- Harriet (surname to be confirmed)
- Roimata Poharama (online)
- Paula Cvitanovich
Apologies
- Casandra (surname to be confirmed)
- Susie Wilson
Motion: That the apologies be accepted.
Moved: David Poharama
Seconded: Jimi Pene
Carried
2. Confirmation of Previous Minutes
The minutes of the previous General Hui were confirmed as a true and correct record.
Moved: David Poharama
Seconded: Trudy Allen
Carried
3. Rāhui Update
A debrief was provided on recent Rāhui hui and ongoing discussions.
Commissioning / Fencing
Shay from Speedway Fencing is ready to begin the fencing project once approval has been given.
Urupā Security
Following repeated incidents involving vehicles entering the urupā, the committee discussed options for securing the entrance gate.
Discussion
- At this stage there have been no further incidents involving hoons.
- A combination lock was suggested as a possible option.
- Signage displaying contact details was also discussed.
Actions
- David to arrange signage displaying contact details (to be confirmed).
- Committee to decide whether the gate will remain locked.
- Committee to finalise signage and contact information.
4. Correspondence
Committee members were invited to attend the Waharoa Blessing held on Friday. Appreciation was extended to Jimi, Roimata and Aisha for attending on behalf of the marae.
Action: Lyn to email the programme and agenda to all committee members.
Mahaetahi Waka Hourua Festival
- Festival dates: 21–29 November 2026
- Opportunity for Taipā Marae to operate a fundraising stall (sausage sizzle).
- Further information to be confirmed.
Action: Trudy to obtain additional details from Callie.
5. Financial Report
The following updates were provided:
- A fundraising account has been opened.
- Whānau continue to contribute through loose change donations, with koha remaining open to everyone.
- Financial summaries and audit reports will be available for whānau.
- The committee discussed financial processes moving forward.
The financial report is available through Trudy.
Motion: That a full audit be undertaken.
Moved: Trudy Allen
Seconded: David Poharama
Carried
6. Rūnanga Report
Aisha Rogers and Lyn Poharama attended an online Rūnanga hui on Monday, 27 July 2026.
Topics discussed included:
- Future planning and a 30-year vision.
- fishering funding
- Fisheries updates.
- Wai claims.
The Rūnanga acknowledged the current stage of the Rāhui process and the importance of continuing engagement with hapū.
Moved: David Poharama
Seconded: Trudy Allen
Action: Lyn to draft the Chairperson’s letter.
7. Environmental Report
Northland contractors met with Trudy regarding potential employment opportunities linked to environmental projects. Dates are yet to be confirmed and the initiative will incorporate whanaungatanga.
Rāhui Monitoring
Trudy provided a summary of the recent Rāhui hui.
Monitoring data collected between 2022–2026 indicates:
- Pipi numbers continue to decline.
- Cockle populations remain abundant and may be becoming dominant.
John presented the latest monitoring data, and Trudy shared updated images.
Discussion Points for Next Hui
- How can hapū monitor the environment together?
- What should the future Rāhui look like?
- Should there be a voting system?
- Environmental concerns including:
- Spartina weed
- Caulerpa weed
- Open community discussion involving all affected parties.
Visitors from outside the rohe are expected to attend future discussions.
The committee also discussed developing a collective hapū trust to strengthen representation and create future employment opportunities.
Next Rāhui Hui
Saturday, 26 September 2026
10.00am
Taipā Marae
Action: Advertise the hui on the Taipā Marae Facebook page.
Moved: David Poharama
Seconded: Paula Cvitanovich
8. Fisheries Report
The committee received an update on the fisheries process.
- Ministry officials will continue monitoring the amount of kaimoana being harvested.
- The Rūnanga will continue working alongside hapū throughout the process.
9. General Business
- A webpage will be established to manage marae bookings and provide official information, notices and announcements.
- The committee agreed to proceed with the online booking programme.
- A vote of thanks was extended to Roimata and her church for their ongoing mahi at the marae.
10. Marae Bookings
Current bookings include:
- Labour Weekend booking
- Unveiling for Abe Poharama (date to be confirmed)
- Booking enquiry from Roimata
- February booking enquiry
11. Fundraising
The committee discussed future fundraising initiatives.
Recommendations
- First major fundraiser to be held in Kaitaia on 8 November 2026.
- Shop, batons, raffle tickets and other fundraising options to be explored.
- Flyers to be circulated.
- Sponsors to report back to whānau.
- Eileen will remain the lead contact for fundraising.
- Committee members to refer to Eileen’s original email.
- Donations continue to be welcomed.
- Larger fundraising events may be held online or at the marae.
Motion: That the fundraising recommendations be accepted.
Moved: Trudy Allen
Seconded: All Present
Carried
12. Next General Hui
Sunday, 13 September 2026
Closing Karakia
Led by Jimi Pene
Minutes Confirmation
Chairperson: David Poharama
Signed: ____________
Date: Sunday 2 August 2026