Kaumātua on the A Day of Whanaungatanga, Kai & Laughter

This month we had the absolute privilege of taking our rōpū of 20 kaumātua to Punakaiki to walk their Pathway. The sea breeze, the sound of waves crashing on the papa, and the gentle pace we walked together carried a feeling of calm, connection and deep appreciation. Every step was shared, every story treasured, and every moment wrapped in aroha.

After our tour, we came together for a delicious shared kai. The tables were full – not just with beautiful food, but with kōrero, memories, jokes, and that unmistakable kaumātua humor that fills a room right to the edges. These are the moments we hold close. Simple, joyful, grounded in whānau.

We have done the Māwhera (Greymouth) Pounamu Pathway, and the group are already buzzing with excitement to explore it next. Kawatiri (Westport) is also calling our names – another journey ahead, another story to write together. Each pathway holds history, knowledge and the footsteps of our people who have travelled before us. What a gift to be able to walk it with our pakeke by our side.

A year full of wānanga, laughter, challenge, growth and togetherness. We love them – not just for who they are today, but for everything they have survived that allows us to stand where we are now. They remind us that resilience runs in our blood. They are proof that we can endure hardships, rise again, and continue forward.

As we head toward the end of 2025, we are looking forward to sharing our Christmas dinner with them. A special time to celebrate relationships, acknowledge the year that has been, and simply enjoy each other’s company. These are our pillars, our taonga, our living libraries. We wouldn’t be here without them.

He whakaaro, he puna aroha – this is our kaumātua rōpū, and we are endlessly grateful.