Katikati Maori Wardens

17/05/2026

In Loving Memory of Taka Hei

A Statement from the Katikati Māori Wardens

Kua hinga te tōtara o Te Waonui a Tāne.
A great tōtara has fallen in the vast forest of Tāne.

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the Katikati Māori Wardens acknowledge the passing of our esteemed rangatira and long-serving board member, Taka Hei, in Te Tai Tokerau.

Taka was a monumental pillar of strength, wisdom, and leadership not only within Te Tai Tokerau but across the entire length and breadth of Ngā Wātene Māori o Aotearoa. Her unwavering commitment to the kaupapa of the Māori Wardens, her dedication to the service of whānau, and her fierce protection of her people left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her.

As a representative for Te Tai Tokerau, Tāmaki, and Tāmaki ki te Tonga on the National Board of Trustees, Taka guided the wardens through generations of change with grace, humility, and absolute resolve. She embodied the core values of aroha ki te tangata (love for the people) and spent her life ensuring that the noble purpose of the wardens thrived at a grassroots level, mentoring the next generation—including her own mokopuna—to carry the mantle forward.

Though we are based in the Bay of Plenty, the bonds of our warden whānau know no geographic boundaries. When a leader of Taka's stature departs this world, the loss echoes across every region, every marae, and every community we serve.

E te Mareikura, haere, haere, haere atu rā

We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences, aroha nui, and thoughts to Taka’s whānau Ngā Watene Purapura Watene Mauri, her friends, and the structural heart of the Te Tai Tokerau Māori Wardens during this time of immense grief.

The Katikati Māori Wardens

24/12/2024

Tena Koutou Ngā watene Maori

We will be attending the Tangihanga of Hayden Henry chair of Tauranga Maori Wardens at 3pm on Friday the 27th of December.

Please meet at the gate by 2:30pm.
A collection of Koha will be collected at the gate of Hungahungatoroa Marae Matapihi Tauranga.

We pay tribute to the many years of dedication and service to Ngai Maori and Nga Watene Maori o Tauranga.

Hope you can join us nau mai haere mai.

31/07/2024

T A N G I H A N G A

EMILY LAKE
You are now relieved of your duties, it’s time for you to take your rest. You are now officially 10/0.

Panui from the Whānau

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mum, Emily Lake, who left us at 11.40pm lastnight, surrounded by her whānau.
Mum will be brought to joey and I house in Waihi later this afternoon and will spend the night there with immediate whānau only. On Friday we will take her to the Waihi Community Marae. We invite everyone to join us to share memories as we say our final goodbyes to our beautiful Mum.

Day of service is yet to be confirmed. We will post our ETA for the marae tomorrow.

Please direct all enquiries to Genna Peka at 021 150 6873.

Thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time.

Ngā mihi,
The Lake Whānau

03/02/2024

Atamarie all the way from Waitangi Treaty Grounds as we prepare for a big day.
Where ever you are have a great day…

Thank to Waihi for assisting us with the A&P Show today back in Katikati

26/10/2023

26/10/2023

Last weekend, our Katikati Watene had the opportunity to Warden for the Tauranga Maori, Tauranga Tangata Festival 2023, held on Matakana Island over Labour Weekend.

Providing Services, our Watene was on the front line welcoming & directing those onto & off the barge & Waipapa. Giving guidance, providing transport to and from the events, and also making sure all were well informed and safe.

Please give a warm thank you to our Katikati Watene.

22/10/2023

10-0 end of shift for our Watene Māori supporting the Tauranga Moana Tauranga Tangata hosted on Matakana Island Mouteretanga 2023 thank you to our Watene Māori Lead Katarina Ngatai and the Matakana Island Māori Wardens for taking care of our Watene Māori o Tauranga Moana.

23/09/2023

UPDATE: Saturday, Sept 23, 4.20pm - The heavy rain warning (orange) has been updated to include areas in the Bay of Plenty east of Whakatāne. Please see the original message below for all details.

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Mōrena, MetService New Zealand has issued a heavy rain warning (orange) for east of Opotiki, for 1am Sunday, September 24 through to 2pm Sunday (13-hour period).

During this time, you can expect between 90 to 120mm of rainfall to accumulate, especially around the ranges. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h.

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible, and driving conditions may be hazardous.

If possible, avoid all non-essential travel. You can check out Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Waikato BoP for any roading updates and to plan your journey.

22/09/2023

We might be in line for some September storminess this weekend:

That weather system that caused bad flooding in the South Island is heading our way.

There are no severe weather warnings or watches in place for Bay of Plenty just yet, but we can expect rain later in the weekend- we just don't know how much, or how long it will stick around.

if there is anything significant to tell you about, we will update you here, but in the meantime, keep an eye on MetService New Zealand

Tauranga City Council Western Bay of Plenty District CouncilTe Kaunihera ā-rohe o Whakatāne - Whakatāne District CouncilOpotiki District CouncilRotorua Lakes CouncilTe Kaunihera ā rohe o Kawerau - Kawerau District Council Bay of Plenty Regional Council

17/09/2023

Supporting Matakana Island Māori Wardens with the opening of Kutaroa Marae was good seeing our hoa Garry Ngatai and the whanau Ngā mihi Kirihi and Marlene for looking after us.

Ngā Manaakitanga