McKay, Saft, and Meridian Extend Gratitude to Patuharakeke

Through the relationship that Meridian has formed with the local hapū in Ruakākā, Patuharakeke, McKay along with representative members from Meridian and Saft, were invited to attend a pōwhiri and cultural introduction at Takahiwai Marae. This enabled staff members in attendance to have a deeper understanding of Patuharakeke’s history in Bream Bay and the connection between the land and the people within the area.

The experience began with a pōwhiri to welcome staff members onto the Marae as manuhiri. During the pōwhiri McKay, Saft and Meridian manuhiri paid their respects to Patuharakeke tūpuna by taking a moment of silence alongside photos located within the wharenui.

The whaikōrero was led by Matua Len from Patuharakeke, followed by Managing Director Lindsay Faithfull from McKay. Harirū and hongi were exchanged between parties, followed by kai in the wharekai to close off the formal proceedings of the event.

The parties then returned to the wharenui where a representative from Patuharakeke, Ari Carrington, explained the history of the hapū and how their tūpuna are represented throughout the area. Hapū members and manuhiri from McKay, Saft and Meridian individually introduced themselves and their whakapapa to encourage whakawhanaunga.

Hau kāinga members organised activities for manuhiri to engage in, to gain a greater understanding of their involvement within the area. This included flax (harakeke) weaving, and assembling a whale skeleton, along with detailed explanations of the significance and importance of these taonga to mana whenua.

To conclude, all parties in attendance gave thanks to Patuharakeke for hosting McKay, Saft and Meridian. Matua Len gave a final kōrero to thank everyone for attending and to close off the experience.

McKay were grateful to be part of the wonderful experience, and the entire team took away a memorable learning experience that will remain with them.