Claire Smith Heads Underground to Explore the Ancient Caves of Waitomo

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Claire Smith Heads Underground to Explore the Ancient Caves of Waitomo MCD EXPLORE What lies beneath … Words by Claire Smith, images by Claire Smith and THL The visitor centre entrance Claire Smith heads underground to explore the ancient caves of Waitomo arlier this year, hubby and I managed to wrest our youngest teen off the Wi-Fi and head out of Auckland for a few days. Our Egood friends at RV Super Centre sorted us out with a four-berth Kea Breeze and the three of us travelled down to the Waikato to check out a destination I’ve wanted to visit for a good many years— the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Okoroire Hot Springs SETTING UP CAMP Using the Campable app, we found stuck in the muddy bits and having to a great spot to stay just out of Tirau at sheepishly ask for help getting unstuck the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel wasn’t a great start (and consequently campsite. At $25 per night, it offers involved spending a good part of the everything needed for a comfortable few next day washing off mud). nights, including powered motorhome sites, bathroom and kitchen facilities, and HEADING DOWN UNDER a restaurant next door at the hotel if you The Waitomo Caves lie about an don’t fancy cooking. hour south of Hamilton on Waitomo But best of all, they have hot springs. Village Road. There’s parking for And they are good! The three natural motorhomes, and we were lucky thermal pools proved the perfect antidote enough to find the perfect spot under after a long day of walking and exploring, a shady tree. and on a clear night, the stars above are The Glowworm Caves are spectacular. You forget how many there steeped in New Zealand history are when you live in the light-polluted city. having first been explored in 1887 A quick tip, though—don’t risk arriving by local Maori Chief, Tane Tinorau, after dark like we did (motorhoming 101, and English surveyor, Fred Mace. of course!). Getting your motorhome Although locals knew of the caves, Inside the glowworm grotto Three of Waitomo’s friendly guides 36 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations 37 MCD EXPLORE MCD EXPLORE they’re a light source and trapping them in the sticky lines they hang Find more beneath them. destinations online at DOWN THE SPIRAL OF nzmcd.co.nz RUAKURI The Glowworm Caves is just one of the three incredible caves waiting to be explored at Waitomo. Aranui Cave is home to New Zealand’s cave weta and apparently has beautiful formations that are a sight to behold. The other is the Ruakuri Cave, which we chose to explore after a coffee and a bite to eat at the Waitomo The spiral entrance at Ruakuri Caves Cafe. The Ruakuri Cave—whose name stems from a Maori legend involving the unfortunate demise of two wild dogs (rua Waitomo meaning two, kuri meaning dog)—was Glowworms discovered around 400 years ago and takes visitors through an incredible 1.6km of caverns, past underground streams and waterfalls and magnificent rock formations that are simply beautiful. The caves are accessed by an impressive spiral entrance, which winds its way down from the surface to the subterranean depths, reminiscent of something from Dr Evil’s lair. I’m no geology expert or even an enthusiast, but it was hard not to be impressed by Ruakuri’s formations. And the further you go, the more impressive they become. Ruakuri Cave Our tour guide told the story of the cave’s intriguing history including why the Cathedral Cave spiral entranceway was built away from the Deep within the caves Ruakuri’s ancient stalactites original entrance, which was used as a burial ground and is Inside tips considered to be an extremely as they occasionally do in these parts. they’d never explored them until Tane THE STARS OF THE SHOW Glowworm Caves sacred site. and Fred headed underground. And what My mind was put at rest though when The first part of the cave, known as • The Glowworm Cave tour takes around Many visitors to the cave a discovery they made—a glowworm our tour guide reassured the group that The Cathedral, is an awe-inspiring cavern 45 minutes with tours leaving every 15 describe the experience as spiritual grotto illuminated by the tiny bright lights the caves were completely safe. Even world-renowned for its purity of minutes or so. and I concur. New Zealand has of thousands of glowworms. during the recent earthquakes that acoustics, attracting many famous • Photography is strictly forbidden, as precious few places that offer such Stepping into the caves is a little like rocked the region, the caves’ precise singers including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to is touching any of the rock formations. richness of history and a give a real going back in time. And little wonder, monitors remained unmoved. perform there. • The tours can get quite busy so plan sense of the awe and power that given they were formed more than 30 Carl Fischer, Waitomo’s environmental From here, we headed down to board around non-peak times if possible. lies hidden beneath terra firma. million years ago. Ancient stalactites officer, explains that geologists believe the boat ride that would take us through With glowworms aplenty hang from slabs of sparkling limestone, the effects of earthquakes are less in the Glowworm Grotto. Unfortunately, Ruakuri Caves throughout the cave, combined with inching their way down to stalagmite caves than on the surface. “The seismic due to recent flooding, our boat trip • The Ruakuri Cave is accessed by a the abundance of awesome photo counterparts at the virtually standstill rate waves that would have the most potential was restricted to a shortened version, shuttle van from the main Waitomo Cave backdrops (photos are allowed but of around 10cm every thousand years. to cause damage to caves (S waves) but we were still able to enjoy the centre. Buy your ticket at the main only in certain areas), along with the actually do very little because they are breathtaking marvel of thousands upon window and you’ll be shown where to relatively small tour numbers (just 15 SAFETY FIRST unable to travel through the air (or water) thousands of white-blue lights shining wait for the shuttle. on our visit), the Ruakuri Cave was by The caves were bustling with tourists in the cave,” he says. like stars against the total blackness of • The tour takes around two hours in total. far my favourite of the two. on the day we visited, and I must admit “The force arrives at the cave wall, the cave ceiling above. • Those looking for a little more adventure The cave is also accessible I felt an unexpected sense of displaces the air, and is absorbed with The glowworms at Waitomo, which can give black-water rafting a go. There for wheelchairs and pushchairs claustrophobia the minute I entered the relatively little effect. In some instances, are unique to New Zealand, are tiny are three guided black-water rafting and the tour guides do a great job cave. With huge pointy rocks hanging caves could be safer than above ground larvae that grow into a mosquito-like options to choose from and each of ensuring every member of the overhead, I started to wonder what the during an earthquake.” insect. They use their glow to attract promises a safe but exhilarating ride. tour comes away feeling richer for result might be if an earthquake struck, Phew, good to know! food—tricking other insects into thinking • Photography is allowed in some parts the experience. of the cave. 38 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations 39.
Recommended publications
  • Waitomo District Plan March 2009
    Waitomo District Council Waitomo District Plan March 2009 WAITOMO DISTRICT PLAN Contents PART ONE: INTRODUCTION 1. What is the District Plan? ................................................................................................................8 2. The Scope of the District Plan ...........................................................................................................9 3. Cross Boundary Issues ...................................................................................................................10 4. Maori Issues .................................................................................................................................11 5. Methods .......................................................................................................................................12 6. Waitomo District and its Resources .................................................................................................. 12 7. General Requirements ...................................................................................................................16 PART TWO: ZONES and POLICY AREAS 8. Residential Zone ...........................................................................................................................22 9. Business Zone ..............................................................................................................................26 10. Industrial Zone .............................................................................................................................29
    [Show full text]
  • NEW ZEALAND Natural and Cultural Heritage in Scenic New Zealand 16 DAYS | Choose Your Dates | Best Season to Travel: FEB - APR; SEP - NOV
    PAIHIA NEW ZEALAND Natural and Cultural Heritage in Scenic New Zealand 16 DAYS | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: FEB - APR; SEP - NOV With its awe-inspiring scenery, PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS distinct biodiversity, and rich Māori • Spend a day swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking the world- heritage, New Zealand leaves an famous marine ecosystem at Poor Knights Islands. indelible impression on its visitors. • Embark on hikes through native forest, along rocky coastline, This 16-day journey brings you into and over the river bed leading to Franz Josef glacier. the heart of the country’s natural • Discover significant sites in Māori culture, from the Waitangi and cultural identities, across the Treaty grounds to the sacred Castle Hill limestone boulders. North and South Islands. Set out • Witness the phenomenon of bioluminescent glowworms in the caves of Waitomo. by boat to experience the rocky coast • Sample local wines of the Central Otago region and learn why and marine life of the North Island, its climate conditions are perfect for viticulture. hike among the dramatic mountain • Learn about conservation initiatives at Sanctuary Mountain vistas on the South Island, and Maungatautari. traverse the forests, lakes, and plains between, getting to know many of WHAT’S INCLUDED? New Zealand’s endemic plant and • Local guide bird life, plus conservation efforts • Driver to protect them. You’ll also discover • Accommodations the country’s human presence, with • Activities opportunities to explore its towns and • Private transportation • Meals cities, plus learn about Māori history • Beverages with meals and traditions from Māori elders. • Carbon offsetting FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111 QUEENSTOWN AND LAKE WAKATIPU ITINERARY 10 dive spots of the world, and for good reason.
    [Show full text]
  • Waikato CMS Volume I
    CMS CONSERVATioN MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Waikato 2014–2024, Volume I Operative 29 September 2014 CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT STRATEGY WAIKATO 2014–2024, Volume I Operative 29 September 2014 Cover image: Rider on the Timber Trail, Pureora Forest Park. Photo: DOC September 2014, New Zealand Department of Conservation ISBN 978-0-478-15021-6 (print) ISBN 978-0-478-15023-0 (online) This document is protected by copyright owned by the Department of Conservation on behalf of the Crown. Unless indicated otherwise for specific items or collections of content, this copyright material is licensed for re- use under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 New Zealand licence. In essence, you are free to copy, distribute and adapt the material, as long as you attribute it to the Department of Conservation and abide by the other licence terms. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/nz/ This publication is produced using paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests. Contents Foreword 7 Introduction 8 Purpose of conservation management strategies 8 CMS structure 10 CMS term 10 Relationship with other Department of Conservation strategic documents and tools 10 Relationship with other planning processes 11 Legislative tools 12 Exemption from land use consents 12 Closure of areas 12 Bylaws and regulations 12 Conservation management plans 12 International obligations 13 Part One 14 1 The Department of Conservation in Waikato 14 2 Vision for Waikato—2064 14 2.1 Long-term vision for Waikato—2064 15 3 Distinctive
    [Show full text]
  • Official Regional Visitor Guide 2019
    OFFICIAL REGIONAL VISITOR GUIDE 2019 HAMILTON • NORTH WAIKATO RAGLAN • MORRINSVILLE TE AROHA • MATAMATA CAMBRIDGE • TE AWAMUTU WAITOMO • SOUTH WAIKATO Victoria on the River, Hamilton 2 hamiltonwaikato.com Lake Rotoroa, Hamilton Contents Kia Ora and Welcome ...............................................................2 Our City .....................................................................................4 Middle-earth Movie Magic .........................................................5 Underground Wonders ..............................................................6 Outdoor Adventures ..................................................................7 Top 10 Family Fun Activities ......................................................8 Arts & Culture and Shop Up A Storm ........................................9 Gourmet Delights ....................................................................10 Your Business Events Destination ............................................11 Cycle Trails .............................................................................. 12 Walking and Hiking Trails ........................................................ 14 Where to Stay, Our Climate, Getting Around .......................... 17 Thermal Explorer Highway and Itinerary Suggestions ............18 Useful Information, Visit our Website ......................................19 What’s On - Events .................................................................20 Hamilton CBD Map ................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Background to the Redevelopment of Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo, New Zealand
    Cave and Karst Management in Australasia 16 Proceedings of the 16th ACKMA Conference, Westport, NZ, 2005 Background to the redevelopment of Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo, New Zealand Greg Martin Waikato Conservator, Department of Conservation Private Bag 3072, Hamilton, New Zealand, [email protected] The Ruakuri Cave is situated in the Ruakuri The exterior faces of the limestone adjacent to Scenic Reserve, a 130 hectare block of lowland these burial caves is coloured with kokowai which podocarp forest about 3 km southwest of the is still clearly visible today. The marking was Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The reserve is a used to indicate a sacred burial site. The red ochre “showcase” area for the Waikato Conservancy of colouring was made from deeply weathered or the Department of Conservation. burnt limestone which was dried and powdered and mixed with shark oil. Ruakuri Cave was discovered c.1900, subsequent to the discovery of the Waitomo Glowworm Cave Another significant and unusual feature of this site in 1887, and opened as a tourist cave by James is the presence of some large karaka trees at the Holden senior, a local landholder. In 1904 the old entrance to the cave and immediately below Government considered the cave to be a valuable the burial caves. These trees are large and likely visitor and tourism resource and consequently to be centuries old. moved to protect the land under the Scenery It is evident that they have been planted as they Preservation Act instructing that the Cave be prefer a coastal habitat and are a long way from surveyed and reserved for the public good.
    [Show full text]
  • Waitomo & King Country Tracks
    Further information The track information in this brochure was correct at the date of printing, but facilities and services Waitomo and can change. For more information, visit the DOC website at www.doc.govt.nz or contact: King Country tracks Maniapoto Area Office 78 Taupiri St Waikato Te Kuiti New Zealand Tel: +64 7 878 1050 Fax: +64 7 878 1051 Email: [email protected] Pureora Field Base 198 Barryville Rd Pureora (off State Highway 30) Te Kuiti 3987 Tel: +64 7 878 1080 Fax: +64 7 878 1081 Waikato Conservancy Office Level 5, 73 Rostrevor St Hamilton Tel: +64 7 858 1000 Fax: +64 7 858 1001 Email: [email protected] Suggestions for corrections or improvements should be emailed to: [email protected] Published by Publishing Team Department of Conservation Wellington | PO Box 10420 New Zealand | June 2011 Contents Introduction Introduction 1 The Waitomo and King Country region is a magical place. Getting there 1 Sculptured limestone outcrops, gorges and natural bridges Limestone landscape 2 emerge through lush, green native forest, while underground, Speleothems 2 a world of ancient limestone formations and cave networks are The King Country 3 home to glowworms, subterranean rivers and waterfalls. This booklet describes the walking and tramping tracks managed Enjoying the outdoors safely 4 by the Department of Conservation (DOC) where you can Track classification 4 experience this unique limestone landscape—from the easy Please remember 4 walks around Waitomo to the longer tramping tracks in the Essential gear 4 Tawarau and Whareorino Forests. Track markers 5 River crossings 5 Getting there Dogs owners—please note 5 Waitomo is just under 1 hour’s drive from Hamilton via State Walks around Waitomo 6 Highway 3; it is 3 hours from Auckland, New Plymouth, Rotorua and Taupo.
    [Show full text]
  • 2016 Annual Results NZX Release
    Tourism Holdings Limited Tel: +64 9 336 4299 The Beach House Fax: +64 9 309 9269 Level 1, 83 Beach Road www.thlonline.com Auckland City PO Box 4293, Shortland Street Auckland 1140, New Zealand 23 August 2016 MEDIA | NZX RELEASE TOURISM HOLDINGS LIMITED (thl) FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR TO 30 JUNE 2016 thl NPAT up 21% at $24.4 million, Revenue up 18% at $279M HIGHLIGHTS: Revenue of $279 million, up 18% compared to the prior corresponding period (pcp) Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) of $24.4 million, up 21% on prior year Operating Profit Before Financing Costs and Tax (1) (EBIT) of $38.7 million, up 20% on prior year Full year Dividend payment of 19cps (partially imputed) up 27% on pcp Successful first full year of Flex Fleet intiatives in NZ and AU Balance sheet strong. Net Debt of $79M Chairman, Mr Rob Campbell, said, “We promised revenue growth and are achieving it without any loss in focus on returns on funds. The year’s result is good, but far from faultless, providing more upside in the coming years.” Earlier in the year thl announced that the target NPAT of $30M, which had been set as a FY19 goal, had been brought forward to FY18. This target excludes growth from any potential acqusitions. The company confirmed positive progress from a number of the new intiatives that have commenced during the year (Flex Fleet, Mighway and Total Customer Experience). Mr Campbell said “The launch of new initiatives is pleasing but means nothing until scalable models are proven and returns are achieved.
    [Show full text]
  • GNZHPG-2019-Waikato-Waitomo.Pdf
    CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND he deep flowing Waikato, New Immerse yourself in Rotorua, a bustling Oruanui Eruption 27,000 years ago. Lake TZealand’s longest river, winds through hub and geothermal wonderland where Taupo, the biggest lake in Australasia and the beating heart of the North Island. modern life seamlessly infuses with roughly the size of Singapore, is actually Rising on the eastern slopes of Mt Maori tradition. Walk through the Buried one of the world’s most formidable and Tour the Ruapehu in the Central Volcanic Plateau, Village and discover the story of the active supervolcanoes. the river navigates Lake Taupo and the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption, visit the To the south in the Ruapehu district is Huka Falls before flowing northwest Waimangu Volcanic Valley and experience the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO through the Waikato Plains. the eruption of the Pohutu Geyser (Te Dual World Heritage site (along with Central The Waitomo region is famous worldwide Puia), then go full throttle on a Rotorua Whanganui National Park) and the first for what lies beneath the earth’s surface, adventure activity. area in New Zealand to be bestowed but there’s much to admire above ground The vast beauty of Lake Taupo belies what national park status. as well with striking arches, tunnels and is actually an immense volcanic caldera North Island native bush. (a collapsed crater) created after the DIVERSITY THAT RUNS DEEP WAIKATO AND WAITOMO HAVE IT ALL: ROLLING HILLS AND LUSH PASTURES, SUBTERRANEAN LIMESTONE CAVERNS AND THE MIGHTY WAIKATO RIVER. ROTORUA IS NEW ZEALAND’S OWN GEOTHERMAL PARADISE, WHILE SERENE LAKES AND DRAMATIC VOLCANIC TERRAIN CHARACTERISE THE CENTRAL PLATEAU.
    [Show full text]
  • Official Regional Visitor Guide 2021
    OFFICIAL REGIONAL VISITOR GUIDE 2021 HAMILTON • NORTH WAIKATO RAGLAN • MORRINSVILLE TE AROHA • MATAMATA CAMBRIDGE • TE AWAMUTU WAITOMO • SOUTH WAIKATO Helensville 1 Town/City Road State Thermal Waikato Hamilton i-SITE Information Highway Explorer River Airport Visitor Info Centre Highway Centre Gravel Cycle Trails Thermal Surf Waterfall Forest Mountain Caves Road Geyser Beach Range AUCKLAND Coromandel Peninsula Clevedon To Whitianga Miranda Thames Pukekohe Whangamataˉ Waiuku POˉ KENO To Thames Maramarua 2 MERCER Mangatarata to River a TUAKAU Meremere aik W 25 Hampton Downs Drive times - from Hamilton: Paeroa PORT WAIKATO Te Kauwhata Waihiˉ Auckland ................. 1 hr 45 mins 2 Rotorua ................... 1 hr 20 mins Rangiriri Taupō ...................... 1 hr 50 mins 2 Glen 1 Coromandel ............. 2 hr 20 mins Murray Tahuna 26 Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park Tauranga ................. 1 hr 30 mins Waikaˉ retu Ruapehu .................. 3 hr 05 mins Lake Hakanoa TE AROHA Mt Te Aroha Hawke’s Bay ........... 3 hr 10 mins HUNTLY Tairāwhiti-Gisborne .. 4 hr 45 mins Lake Puketirni 27 26 Waiorongomai Valley Taupiri Hauraki Tatuanui Rail Trail 2 Haˉkarimata 1B Ranges Gordonton Kaimai Ranges Te Akau NGAˉRUAWAˉ HIA MORRINSVILLE Te Awa Ngarua Waingaro River Ride TAURANGA 39 2 Horotiu 27 Wairere Walton Falls Raglan HAMILTON Harbour Waharoa 2 RAGLAN Whatawhata Matangi Manu Bay Tamahere 1B 29 23 MATAMATA Te Puke Mt Karioi Raglan Trails CAMBRIDGE 29 Ngahinapouri Ruapuke ˉ 27 Beach Ohaupoˉ Te Awa River Ride Piarere Bridal Veil Falls / 3 Lake Te Pahu
    [Show full text]
  • Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves
    Waitomo Glowworm Caves Read our outstanding reviews Go to www.tripadvisor.com and search Auckland Scenic Tours 5 star luxury | Full day tours from Auckland Local guide | Small group | 7 days a week Free pick-up & drop-off | Entry fees included Important Tour information OTOROHANGA Why choose Auckland Scenic Tours? • All tours include a free pick-up and drop-off from KIWI HOUSE downtown Auckland city hotels Our multi-award winning scenic tours are the best, • Tours depart daily at 6:30am most inexpensive way for you to see the most iconic • Minimum of two adults per booking is required Hobbiton Movie Set tourist attractions in New Zealand. • Local New Zealand driver/guide We take you on specially designed routes through • Tours in English only stunning scenery into the hinterland of New Zealand, • Includes entry fees to Hobbiton, Waitomo Glowworm missing all the crowds and giving you special advice to Caves, Ruakuri Caves and Kiwi House enhance your experience. • Includes a complimentary specially brewed beverage The Shire, Hobbiton Explore this region with our experienced New Zealand at the Green Dragon Inn driver/guide who will share one of our signature tours • Children must be accompanied by an adult Waitomo Caves Ruakuri Caves that we have created with you. These are small, highly • Tours run in all weather conditions so please wear informative personalized tours. We pride ourselves on appropriate clothing our knowledgable guides. You will learn about the history, A minimum of 12 hours notice is required people and culture of New Zealand and enjoy our stunning to secure your booking countryside en route.
    [Show full text]
  • Full Itinerary
    West Coast Waikato – King Country – Taranaki – Whanganui – Kapiti Coast Nov 2021 | 9 nights A guided adventure for active women Sun 14 Nov Cambridge Arrive in to Cambridge or Hamilton anytime today. If you are arriving in to Auckland, we can arrange a shuttle for you at an additional cost. The charming town of Cambridge is known for its trees and champions and recently voted NZ’s “Most Beautiful Large Town”. Your hotel is an easy walk to Lake Te Ko Utu, the Town Hall and the main street with it’s own walk of fame – it’s not quite Hollywood but you never know which famous Kiwi you might spot! Mon 15 Nov Waitomo - Taumarunui Within an hour’s drive from Cambridge is the world renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand and as our Guide takes us deep in to the cave we will see thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light. An informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance and a magical boat ride beneath the glow will surely enlighten you! Next is the Ruakuri loop walk, taking us through a forested gorge, natural sculpted cliffs, impressive limestone arches and a cavernous tunnel. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch before walking though a majestic limestone gorge to the 17m high natural arch which is the Mangapohue Natural Bridge. Our last scenic visit will be a short stroll through tawa and nikau to the Marakopa Falls, often described as the most beautiful waterfall in the country. We journey further south to the small King Country town Te Kuiti to say hello to a local legend, before continuing to Taumarunui.
    [Show full text]
  • RUAPUHA UEKAHA HAPU TRUST Annual Report 2015
    RUAPUHA UEKAHA HAPU TRUST Annual Report 2015 Celebrating 125 years of guiding at the Glowworm Caves Whakarongo ake ki te tangi a te manu nei A te maa-tui, tui tu….i, tuituia Tui i runga, tui i raro Tui i roto, tuia i waho Ka rongo te po, ka rongo te ao Tuia i te muka tangata i taakia mai I Hawaiki nui, Hawaiki roa Hawaiki paama-mao te hono ki wairua Ki te whai ao, ki te ao marama Listen to the cry of the bird The female tui unite, unite, united Unite above, unite the depth Unite within, unite the outer Hear this oh night, hear this oh world United by the bonds of man, originated from The Hawaiki beyond To the joining of the spirits From the outer world, world into light. Contents Agenda Page 2 Chairman’s Report Page 3 Financial Report Page 4 Education Report Page 6 Minutes of the Ruapuha Uekaha Hapu Trust AGM 2014 Page 8 125th Anniversary of guiding at the Glowworm Caves Page 12 Trust Activities 2013-2014 Page 14 Meet the people involved with the Trust Page 16 Page 1 - Annual Report 2015 2015 Ruapuha Uekaha Hapu Trust Annual General Meeting 10am, Saturday 30 May, 2015 Tokikapu Marae Agenda Mihi / Karakia Apologies Chairman’s Report Financial Report - Financial Performance and Position 2014 Education Sub-Committee Report Minutes of the last meeting - 15 March, 2014 General Business Page 2 - Annual Report 2015 Chairman’s Report Peter Douglas In 1990 Sir Paul Reeves was the Governor General, Geoffrey Our responsibility now is to look forward and think what we Palmer the Prime Minister, Koro Wetere was the Minister of hope to be in 25 years’ time when we celebrate the 50 year Lands and Minister of Maori Affairs.
    [Show full text]