Time for our annual reflections

Over the past couple of months, we have been working hard to put together our annual report. This is a substantial piece of work, and at times it can be hard to find the time to step away from our busy schedules to collate the information and data that tells the story of the past financial year. However, it is always a rewarding experience to reflect on the achievements made and milestones celebrated over that year – it reminds of us of our why, and fuels our fire to continue to deliver positive outcomes for kā papatipu rūnaka.

The full report will be available next month, and will share many of the highlights of the past year: the opening of several projects for Mana Ahurea including Te Puna Whakaehu, the first block of the George Street development and the first phase of Te Pā Tāhuna; work on wāhi tūpuna, Three Waters and the Waiwhakaata Cultural Values statement for Mana Taiao; new programmes for Mana Tākata including Aukaha Drive, Maintaining the Gains and Te Hakapupu; and a reflection on our past 25 years from Mana Aukaha.

This pānui will also be my last for a while, as I step away from my role to complete my PhD. Over the past couple of years I have been trying to juggling my mahi for Aukaha with my studies, and I’ve finally accepted the fact that I will need to take a sabbatical to focus on my research. My thesis is investigating the mahika kai practices evident in the archaeological record on the Āraiteuru coast, with a focus on the wāhi tūpuna at Makahoe, and I’m looking forward to diving in and finishing it! I am delighted to share that the very capable Caron Solomon-Ward will be acting as interim Chief Executive while I'm away. Caron has been the General Manager of our Mana Ahurea pou for several years now, and knows the work of Aukaha inside and out. I am confident she will do a fantastic job, with the support of the rest of our leadership team and our board of directors. Mā te wā, and I will look forward to resuming these pānui when I return in March 2025.

Nā Rachel Wesley, CEO.