From the Editor

This is my last magazine as editor of TE KARAKA. I am returning to my homeland Samoa to begin the next chapter in my life. I thank Ngāi Tahu whānau for sharing their stories, time and laughter with me. I have travelled around this beautiful takiwā meeting equally beautiful people. I have wept for Ngāi Tahu elders who have passed on and rejoiced in the successes of the iwi and hapū. I have learned and continue to learn about this great iwi with its ancient traditions. I feel privileged to have been welcomed into your homes, sat at your tables and shared a tale or two.

Working on TE KARAKA has enabled me to be able to practise a patient type of journalism that puts the interviewee and reader first, that presents many facets of the debate and places accuracy, fairness and also kindness to the fore.

I have many highlights during my time as editor. Travelling to Doubtful Sound with Awarua Rūnanga is one of the them – the company, kōrero and breathtaking sights will stay in my heart and mind for many years. Sailing on a waka hourua from Samoa to Tonga is another. The voyage fulfilled a lifetime dream and established enduring relationships with many good, hearty people. One friendship that was prompted as a result of TE KARAKA was with young Mark James Bain, who lights up any room with his sunny  smile.

Of course the magazine does not happen in a vacuum. It comes through conversations over cups of tea and a scone or two if you are lucky. I found the more conversations I had with Ngāi Tahu whānau, the more meaningful the stories became.

There is a whakataukī that says Ko te kai a te rangatira, he kōrero. Talk is the food of chiefs. I hope that you have been sustained during my time as editor, that you have enjoyed the kōrero, which was yours to begin with.

Nāku noa
Nā Faumuinā F. M. Tafuna’i

MANAGING EDITOR
Phil Tumataroa

EDITOR
Faumuinā F. M. Tafuna’i

ASSISTANT EDITOR
Sandi Hinerangi Barr

SUB EDITOR
Adrienne Anderson

SUB EDITOR
Adrienne Rewi

SUB EDITOR
Diana Leufkens

WEB EDITOR
Simon Leslie

CONTRIBUTORS
Jules Anderson
Jamie Ball
Sandi Hinerangi Barr
Tremane Barr
Tom Bennion
Raoul Butler
Dennis Buurman
Diana Clement
Shar Devine
Lewis Gardiner
Adrian Heke
Rereahu Hetet
Carmen Houlahan
Keri Hulme
Howard Keene
Andy Lukey
Chris Parker
Aloise Reuben
Adrienne Rewi
Aaron Smale
Kāhu Te Whaiti
Rob Tipa
Kim Triegaardt
Phil Tumataroa
Keri Welham
Will White

DESIGN
La Fábrica Design Studio

PRINTING
Spectrum Print – Blue Star Business

PUBLISHER
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
PO Box 13 046, Christchurch 8141
Phone 03 366 4344
Fax 03 365 4424

One Response to “From the Editor”

  • Karen Mills Says:
    February 1st, 2012 at 12:57 am

    Real sad to read that this is your last editoral. I believe you have made a difference by your professionalism, ethusiasm, patience and humbleness. Te Karaka is renowed for being a “nice” magazine, photos and stories. The story you did on MJ Bain was noted for addressing the issues of Drug and Alcohol in our families in this rohe. I think you and MJ deserve the big ups for the courage to tell a story that most people say “it dosn’t happen in our families.”
    A big thank you to your husband for helping around our marae, his cooking will be missed.
    Wishing you and your whanau good health and happiness. Thank you Arohanui Karen

    Reply

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