He Reta

Kia ora tātou,
The TE KARAKA publication is, without reservation, something I look forward to reading and enjoying 100 per cent. I thank you again for this incredible and worthwhile publication. Ngāi Tahu you are indeed a credit to your whānau and the exceptional and professional way in which you conduct yourselves and, I believe, take part in creating leadership, prosperity, and above all the mana to take our people into the future,
Rob-Roy Gregor McGregor Bankstown Australia.

 

Dear Editor
Thanks once again for a wonderful read with the latest issue of Te Karaka . It truly is a publication which Ngāi Tahu can be extremely proud of.

A recurring theme throughout this issue is one of positivity with great initiatives highlighted such as the Hundy Club and the Wai-ora Trust Community Gardens in Christchurch.

I love the new organic gardening section and see it as a positive response to the current economic doldrums. For too long gardening has been seen as an unneccessary form of physical torture when "you can buy veggies cheaper in the supermarket". Anyone shopping for the whānau recently knows that this is untrue and apart from cost, the health benefits cannot be underestimated. Some of the most commonly eaten vegetables are high in toxins from the commercial growing process.

All cost and health benefits aside gardening is something that enriches the soul and connects us with the land. Early childhood centres and schools throughout New Zealand which have installed gardens have found that the children have embraced gardening with a passion and it is so good for our children to understand and appreciate how we can grow food.

Community gardens have proven to be another successful way for people to get into gardening, particularly tenants of apartments with no land attached. All around the country these community gardens are strengthening communities and putting people back in touch with the old values of supporting themselves and each other.

So I am looking forward to the next issue and the column on creating and maintaining the veggie garden. Sharon Gray
Auckland

BOOK PRIZEWINNERS

Congratulations to Kim Reuben of Tuahiwi as the winner of the book Art at Te Papa. The correct answer was of course, Wellington is the host city of Te Papa Museum.

As there were no letters published in the last TE KARAKA, Beneath the Māori Moon, An Illustrated History of Māori Rugby by Malcolm Mulholland will be given to letter writer Rob-Roy Gregor McGregor from this issue.

 

TE KARAKA welcomes letters from readers. You can send letters by email to tekaraka@ngaitahu.iwi.nz or post them to: The editor, Te Karaka , PO Box 13 046, Christchurch.

TE KARAKA reserves the right to edit, abridge or decline letters without explanation. Letters under 300 words are preferred. The writer's full residential address (not for publication) is required on all letters and emails. A telephone number is helpful.