As summer fades and autumn arrives, here at Kore Hiakai we begin a new season as Wayne Paaka, our Pou Māori, moves on with his sights set on new horizons. While we say our goodbyes, and support Wayne as he transitions into his new role, we take this opportunity to mihi him, and to champion all he has done in our space for Kai sovereignty. 

The practice of saying “goodbye'“ goes back centuries. It is a contraction of the phrase “God be with ye.” In earlier days people didn’t have the means of communication we do today, and they often didn’t know when or if they would see that person again when they parted. Thus, they issued a sincere send-off asking the divine to be with them until they met again. 

Over the centuries, the use of ‘goodbye’ has become more cursory and in many instances, we opt for other phrases instead – because ‘seeing someone later’ is such a happier thought! Especially when you know they’re leaving to do other good.

Strong feelings can materialise in many instances, but it is with the people we know the fondest that saying ‘goodbye’ hurts the most. When we farewell a friend who we consider whānau, or those we spend the most time with, it just seems to cut deeper – even though those connections aren’t necessarily being severed.

We find ourselves in a similar sentiment at the thought of saying “haere ra”, “ka kite” or “goodbye” to Wayne – our ally, friend and colleague. So instead we say mā te wā. See you later.

Knowing we will continue to see and journey with Wayne in other ways, Kore Hiakai reflect on his presence in our mahi more than his departure from his role of Pou Māori.

Waiho i te toipoto kaua i te toiroa.

Let us keep close together not wide apart.

For Wayne, showing leadership as Pou Māori has been “to help people move their thinking beyond what they have been doing, then ponder a different strategy to make connections with like-minded people in order to move the waka forward.”

“I have always been a person to analyse ideas and develop possibilities on how to support or extend them. I often hui with people, and we have a time for whakawhānaungatanga. We share each other’s roles and then I would see how I could support them through my mahi at Kore Hiakai.”

Having been a supportive force and active in the rōpū called ‘Feed the Whānau’, Wayne has collaborated with others in the Hutt Valley to Wairarapa rohe to attain ‘kai sovereignty’ on a local, regional and potentially national scale. “I’ve connected with several groups to further this cause. This kaupapa is big for ngā iwi o ngā hau e whā” (tribes of the four winds/all tribes).

Wayne says, “for generations, poverty has affected a large number of our people. The problem is systemic and we have fallen well below the line. It’ll take a consistent effort over generations in all areas to help balance the inherent problem. This task needs careful planning, support and funding from all levels. Even though I am moving on to other ventures, it is important this kaupapa endures and continues to be carried into the future.”

Building and engaging with a variety of Iwi and Marae networks has been a primary focus for Wayne during his appointment at Kore Hiakai. “I think I have enough experience, foresight and vision to help develop good ideas with the right people.”

While we are saddened by his departure, we are happy to see him prosper and pursue other opportunities, and we know Wayne will continue to nurture and make a difference in our communities – where ever those pathways may lead.

Hapaitia te ara tika pumau ai te rangatiratanga mo nga uri whakatipu. Foster the pathway of knowledge to strength, independence and growth for future generations.

Mā te wā e hoa. Farewell for now Friend, but not goodbye forever.