Anahera Morehu Welcomed As Permanent Poumanaaki Chief Archivist

Hear from Anahera Morehu on her new appointment as Poumanaaki Chief Archivist:

Mānawa mai te mauri Nuku
Mānawa mai te mauri Rangi,
He mauri a Matariki e ara e
Ka tū a Tupu a Nuku, a Tupu a Rangi
Ka tū a Waitī, a Waitā, a Waipuna ā Rangi
Ka tū a Ururangi
Ka tū a Pohutukawa
Ka tū a Hiwa I te Rangi
Māwanatia mai a Matariki e
Tau mai te mauri, he mauri tū, he mauri āīō, he mauri ora
Haumi ē, hui ē, tāiki ē!

Matariki has risen and new beginnings have happened at Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Archives New Zealand (Te Rua Mahara).  We embarked on the journey bringing all of Te Rua Mahara together with a 2-day wānanga in early July that began with the pōwhiri welcoming me as Poumanaaki Chief Archivist. The wānanga provided a great opportunity for Te Rua Mahara to clarify its aspirations for the next year with clear purpose. Of equal importance, was the opportunity for kaimahi to meet kanohi-ki-te-kanohi. It was the first time we have held a national wānanga.

With my permanent appointment, we undertook the recruitment for a permanent Kaihautū Māori, which was my previous position. I am delighted that George Haimona (Te Arawa, Mataatua, Tainui and Taranaki Whānui) has accepted this position. The Kaihautū is pivotal as we build stronger partnerships with tangata whenua and manuhiri in Aotearoa New Zealand.  Supporting iwi, hapū, and whānau to help Te Rua Mahara preserve their tūpuna housed within our walls is imperative.

The Archives 2057 strategy document refresh and business plan 23/24 will have impact across our business as usual.  With Matariki marking the start of a new year, the time is right to refocus our priorities to add to what we have already achieved, re-energise our direction, and move into the future.  I expect the coming year to continue to challenge our thoughts and movements as we meet the different phases of projects on the horizon.  We continue to consider digital aspirations, while working within our allocated budget as part of the government sector.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, erangi he toa takimano. Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui e tātou katoa.

Anahera Morehu 

Poumanaaki Chief Archivist