Waikaretu Marae - Pouto

18/04/2026

🥇NGĀTI WHĀTUA HĀKINAKINA 2026🥇

🏈What an awesome day at Hākinakina today!
So proud of our whānau and the way everyone showed up, supported, played hard, and carried our values all day.

🏐Mihi to Teina Birch for organising the netball team, and then reffing on top of that. Deb reffed back-to-back games all day too, absolute machine.

🏉Mihi to Peter Hita for pulling together the touch team and keeping the kaupapa flowing.

🥊Our rangatahi smashed it in the rangatahi kapa haka, so much pride watching them stand strong and represent.

🥇Big aroha to Uncle Ben for judging and awhi throughout the day, with Aunty Cherrie right there backing everyone,
it truly was a full whānau effort

💥And to top it off…
The first ever Hākinakina Trophy winners, now confirmed as an annual event, were TE URI O HAU!

*** Only a few pix attached ERANGI - Head over to Te Runga o Ngāti Whātua FB page to view beautiful imagery of our Whātua whānau in action ***

10/04/2026

📩 Ko ngā mihi maioha kia tātou e te iwi...

📌 He pānui haumaru kua tāpirihia: Please find attached a safety notice for Waikāretu Marae.

🤎 Mauri ora!!

09/04/2026

Kia ora whanau,

In consideration of the incoming cyclone and the safety of whānau, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua are providing a Zoom viewing option for the AGM being held tomorrow at Reweti Marae.
Attendees are encouraged to make arrangements that prioritise their wellbeing and safety, particularly if travel may be affected.

Kia mataara whānau

Zoom access details are provided below.

Held on Saturday 11 April 2026 at 8.30 am.

06/04/2026

Kia mataara whānau.

Another weather warning is in place for 10pm tonight to 4pm tomorrow.

Civil Defence details are here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CJSC6JPbu/

Stay safe, check in on each other, and reach out to our Civil Defense reps if you need any awhi.

Please see our latest post for updated information as at 11 AM 7/04: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17MyRtgMoa/
_________________________________

Kia ora Northland, MetService New Zealand has this morning (Monday 6 April) upgraded the existing Heavy Rain Watch to an Orange Warning ahead of the subtropical low that is expected to approach Northland overnight tonight.

Unfortunately, it is the north and east of the region that again face the potential of being the most affected.

During the 18 hours from 10pm tonight to 4pm tomorrow (Tuesday), 90 to 120 mm of rain is expected, especially in the north and east of the region. Peak rates may reach 25 to 40 mm/h in possible thunderstorms and localised downpours tomorrow morning.

The Strong Wind Watch remains in place, with east to northeast winds which may approach severe gale in exposed places during the period from 3am tomorrow to 4pm tomorrow.

The key advice is to use today to prepare your property and possessions (if you haven't already), and take extreme care on the roads tomorrow, particularly in the morning when there is the possibility of surface flooding, debris and slips on the roads. And don't take chances driving through floodwaters.

Keep up-to-date with MetService severe weather information at:
https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -north

28/03/2026

Whakaata Māori – the Home of Haka – will once again partner with Te Matatini Enterprises to bring the Kapa Haka Regionals 2026 to screens across Aotearoa, Ahitereiria, and the Pacific.

26/03/2026

⚠️ Community Update ⚠️

Kia ora whānau,

If the power goes out, Vera will be opening Waikāretu Marae with power available for cooking, showers, and other essential needs.

Huge thanks to Vera for making this possible and looking after our community.

Please spread the word and look out for one another.

Kia haumaru e te whānau. Ngā manaakitanga.

25/03/2026

🌧️ Pouto Weather Update 🌧️
There is a high likelihood that the Orange Strong Wind and Heavy Rain Warnings for Kaipara may be upgraded to Red, with significant rainfall expected later today.
Kaipara District Council has activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and is working closely with Northland councils, emergency services, and Civil Defence to prepare for potential impacts.

See further information below:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BXFMFQbyV/

Weather event update 🌧️8pm Thursday 26 March

Kia ora Kaipara,

This will be our last update for the evening.

Orange Strong Wind and Heavy Rain Warnings remain in place for Kaipara. We have seen the worst of the weather pass through but are still expecting some rain overnight and through the early morning.

Current known road closures or restrictions:
• Maropiu Road – flooded, impassable
• Maropiu Settlement Road – flooded, impassable
• Aranga Station Road – flooding over bridge, impassable
• Kaihu Wood Road – flooded, impassable
• Tangowahine Road – flooded, impassable
• Kaikohe Road – flooded, impassable
• Avoca Road – flooded, impassable
• Waoku Road – flooded, impassable
• Mangatu Road – overslip, 4WD access
• McKenzie Place – flooded by Station Road, restricted
• Baldrock Road – flooding on both sides, passable at this stage
• Komiti Road – flooding due to blocked culvert
• Parore Street – flooding reported
• Ngatoto Road – fallen tree, restricted
• Grove Road – flooding, still passable
• Brown Road – flooding in multiple places, 4WD access
• Kaikohe Road – flooding across road in places, 4WD access
• Waimatenui East Road – flooding, passable
• Waihue Road – flooding, 4WD access
• Bull Road [KDC] – tree fallen, still passable
• Stead Road [KDC] – tree fallen, still passable
• Waima River Road – flooding, passable
• Jones Road – flooding, passable
• Wood Street – some surface flooding

A number of other roads previously impacted are now cleared. Our roading crews will be back onsite at first light. In the meantime please take extreme care and avoid travelling this evening. If you do spot any roading issues – trees down, flooding please let us know by calling us on 0800 727 059.

For power outages, call Northpower on 0800 104 040.

A dedicated welfare line remains open and will be manned overnight to assist anyone who needs support – please call 09 439 1111.

If at any time you feel you, your whānau, or your property are at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 111.
______________
Weather event update 🌧️ 5pm

Orange Strong Wind and Heavy Rain Warnings remain in place for Kaipara.

We are expecting more rain now and into the evening. Please be aware streams and rivers may rise rapidly and become dangerous. Surface flooding, slips and flood water are likely to close roads make driving conditions hazardous. Further flooding of low-lying areas is also possible.

Our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains active and closely monitoring the weather and conditions. Northland's district councils, emergency services, and Civil Defence Northland continue to meet and coordinate.

If you are out on the roads, please remember to report any roading issues – trees down, flooding to us asap on 0800 727 059. For power outages, call Northpower on 0800 104 040.

Current known road closures or restrictions:
• Kaihu Wood Road – flooded, impassable
• Tangowahine Road – flooded, impassable
• Kaikohe Road – flooded, impassable
• Avoca Road – flooded, impassable
• Waoku Road – flooded, impassable
• Charity Hill Road – overslip
• Baldrock Road – flooding on both sides, passable at this stage
• Komiti Road – flooding due to blocked culvert
• Parore Street – flooding reported
• Ngatoto Road – fallen tree, restricted
• Grove Road – flooding, still passable
• Brown Road – flooding in multiple places, 4WD access
• Kaikohe Road – flooding across road in places, 4WD access
• Waimatenui East Road – flooding, passable
• Waihue Road – flooding, 4WD access
• Bull Road [KDC] – tree fallen, still passable
• Stead Road [KDC] – tree fallen, still passable
• Waima River Road – flooding, passable
• Jones Road – flooding, passable
• Wood Street – some surface flooding

A number of other roads previously impacted are now cleared.

Sandbags are still available at Harrison’s yards, 25 Station Road in Dargaville, & Downers yard 32 Hurndall Street East, Maungatūroto. A truck load of sand is also up at the Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) carpark in Mangawhai, and bags are available for people to fill themselves (bring a shovel).

A dedicated welfare line is open now and will be manned overnight to assist anyone who needs support – please call 09 439 1111.
We have arrangements in place in Mangawhai and Dargaville to open up welfare centres if needed – we’ll notify these via Facebook, Antenno and our website if they are opened.

If at any time you feel you, your whānau, or your property are at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 111.

______________

Weather event update 🌧️

There is a high chance that the Orange Strong Wind and Heavy Rain Warnings for Kaipara will upgrade to a Red Warning. We are expecting a lot more rain later today 🌧️⛈️🌧️

Council has stood up an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in preparation for any impacts of the weather event. Northland's district councils, emergency services, and Northland Civil Defence are meeting and coordinating closely.

Sandbag info updated (12pm): Sandbags are now available to public on request at Harrison’s yards, 25 Station Road in Dargaville, & Downers yard 32 Hurndall Street East, Maungatūroto.
A truck load of sand is also up at the Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) carpark in Mangawhai, and bags are available for people to fill themselves. .

Dedicated roading patrol crews are continuing to inspect critical culverts and clear cesspits and open drains across the network. Our contractors have been split into teams to monitor roads and drains.

We are aware of the following road closures or restrictions:
🚫 Trounson Park Rd – half lane closure with tree down
✅ Pouto Rd (54km mark) – tree down has now been cleared.

We are also seeing some surface flooding in areas that regularly flood.

Please keep an eye on our page and Civil Defence Northland for latest updates.

🚨 If at any time you feel you, your whānau, or your property are at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 111.

🌿 Report any roading issues – trees down, flooding etc to us on 0800 727 059. We have teams ready to respond.

💡 For power outages, call Northpower on 0800 104 040.

If you don’t already have our Antenno app, download it now to stay informed. Go to www.kaipara.govt.nz/antenno for more information.

We are keeping a close eye on the weather and will post updates here on Facebook, on our website and via Antenno.

Please be prepared and stay safe out there Kaipara!

IMAGE: Mangatu Road slip

25/03/2026

Weather event update 🌧️8pm Thursday 26 March

Kia ora Kaipara,

This will be our last update for the evening.

Orange Strong Wind and Heavy Rain Warnings remain in place for Kaipara. We have seen the worst of the weather pass through but are still expecting some rain overnight and through the early morning.

Current known road closures or restrictions:
• Maropiu Road – flooded, impassable
• Maropiu Settlement Road – flooded, impassable
• Aranga Station Road – flooding over bridge, impassable
• Kaihu Wood Road – flooded, impassable
• Tangowahine Road – flooded, impassable
• Kaikohe Road – flooded, impassable
• Avoca Road – flooded, impassable
• Waoku Road – flooded, impassable
• Mangatu Road – overslip, 4WD access
• McKenzie Place – flooded by Station Road, restricted
• Baldrock Road – flooding on both sides, passable at this stage
• Komiti Road – flooding due to blocked culvert
• Parore Street – flooding reported
• Ngatoto Road – fallen tree, restricted
• Grove Road – flooding, still passable
• Brown Road – flooding in multiple places, 4WD access
• Kaikohe Road – flooding across road in places, 4WD access
• Waimatenui East Road – flooding, passable
• Waihue Road – flooding, 4WD access
• Bull Road [KDC] – tree fallen, still passable
• Stead Road [KDC] – tree fallen, still passable
• Waima River Road – flooding, passable
• Jones Road – flooding, passable
• Wood Street – some surface flooding

A number of other roads previously impacted are now cleared. Our roading crews will be back onsite at first light. In the meantime please take extreme care and avoid travelling this evening. If you do spot any roading issues – trees down, flooding please let us know by calling us on 0800 727 059.

For power outages, call Northpower on 0800 104 040.

A dedicated welfare line remains open and will be manned overnight to assist anyone who needs support – please call 09 439 1111.

If at any time you feel you, your whānau, or your property are at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 111.
______________
Weather event update 🌧️ 5pm

Orange Strong Wind and Heavy Rain Warnings remain in place for Kaipara.

We are expecting more rain now and into the evening. Please be aware streams and rivers may rise rapidly and become dangerous. Surface flooding, slips and flood water are likely to close roads make driving conditions hazardous. Further flooding of low-lying areas is also possible.

Our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains active and closely monitoring the weather and conditions. Northland's district councils, emergency services, and Civil Defence Northland continue to meet and coordinate.

If you are out on the roads, please remember to report any roading issues – trees down, flooding to us asap on 0800 727 059. For power outages, call Northpower on 0800 104 040.

Current known road closures or restrictions:
• Kaihu Wood Road – flooded, impassable
• Tangowahine Road – flooded, impassable
• Kaikohe Road – flooded, impassable
• Avoca Road – flooded, impassable
• Waoku Road – flooded, impassable
• Charity Hill Road – overslip
• Baldrock Road – flooding on both sides, passable at this stage
• Komiti Road – flooding due to blocked culvert
• Parore Street – flooding reported
• Ngatoto Road – fallen tree, restricted
• Grove Road – flooding, still passable
• Brown Road – flooding in multiple places, 4WD access
• Kaikohe Road – flooding across road in places, 4WD access
• Waimatenui East Road – flooding, passable
• Waihue Road – flooding, 4WD access
• Bull Road [KDC] – tree fallen, still passable
• Stead Road [KDC] – tree fallen, still passable
• Waima River Road – flooding, passable
• Jones Road – flooding, passable
• Wood Street – some surface flooding

A number of other roads previously impacted are now cleared.

Sandbags are still available at Harrison’s yards, 25 Station Road in Dargaville, & Downers yard 32 Hurndall Street East, Maungatūroto. A truck load of sand is also up at the Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) carpark in Mangawhai, and bags are available for people to fill themselves (bring a shovel).

A dedicated welfare line is open now and will be manned overnight to assist anyone who needs support – please call 09 439 1111.
We have arrangements in place in Mangawhai and Dargaville to open up welfare centres if needed – we’ll notify these via Facebook, Antenno and our website if they are opened.

If at any time you feel you, your whānau, or your property are at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 111.

______________

Weather event update 🌧️

There is a high chance that the Orange Strong Wind and Heavy Rain Warnings for Kaipara will upgrade to a Red Warning. We are expecting a lot more rain later today 🌧️⛈️🌧️

Council has stood up an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in preparation for any impacts of the weather event. Northland's district councils, emergency services, and Northland Civil Defence are meeting and coordinating closely.

Sandbag info updated (12pm): Sandbags are now available to public on request at Harrison’s yards, 25 Station Road in Dargaville, & Downers yard 32 Hurndall Street East, Maungatūroto.
A truck load of sand is also up at the Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) carpark in Mangawhai, and bags are available for people to fill themselves. .

Dedicated roading patrol crews are continuing to inspect critical culverts and clear cesspits and open drains across the network. Our contractors have been split into teams to monitor roads and drains.

We are aware of the following road closures or restrictions:
🚫 Trounson Park Rd – half lane closure with tree down
✅ Pouto Rd (54km mark) – tree down has now been cleared.

We are also seeing some surface flooding in areas that regularly flood.

Please keep an eye on our page and Civil Defence Northland for latest updates.

🚨 If at any time you feel you, your whānau, or your property are at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 111.

🌿 Report any roading issues – trees down, flooding etc to us on 0800 727 059. We have teams ready to respond.

💡 For power outages, call Northpower on 0800 104 040.

If you don’t already have our Antenno app, download it now to stay informed. Go to www.kaipara.govt.nz/antenno for more information.

We are keeping a close eye on the weather and will post updates here on Facebook, on our website and via Antenno.

Please be prepared and stay safe out there Kaipara!

IMAGE: Mangatu Road slip

25/03/2026

Kia Tūpato whānau, the Marae is on standby, should our Pouto whānau be impacted by the weather and need awhi.

Contacts for our Civil Defence Community Response group here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AW44Cg7Lh/

Updated 9:30pm (25/03):

As we head into the late evening, it’s shaping up to be a wet and windy night across many parts of Northland.

MetService New Zealand has updated the Red and Orange Heavy Rain Warnings and the Strong Wind Warning issued earlier today.

However, the key messages remain largely the same, and the main period of concern is still from Thursday afternoon through to Friday morning.

The rainfall forecast is still likely to bring: dangerous river conditions, flooding, Slips and landslides, Hazardous driving conditions, and road closures in some areas

This remains an evolving situation, so please continue to keep up to date with the latest information from MetService and your local and regional councils.
📡 Weather warnings: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -north
🚧 State highways: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner
📍Local roads: Far North District Council Whangarei District Council Kaipara District Council

We are also starting to see a few isolated power outages across the region.
🔌For the latest outage information:
• Whangārei & Kaipara (Northpower): https://northpower.nz/outages/
📞 Northpower faults: 0800 104 040
• Far North (Top Energy): https://outages.topenergy.co.nz/
📞 Top Energy faults: 0800 867 363

We’ll continue to monitor conditions closely and share updates as the situation develops.

The key messages from the post below remain largely the same too; stay safe, stay prepared, and look after one another.

👇 Updated warning details are included below

_________________________________________________________________

Mōrena Northland, we've got a long but important post for you this morning 👇

MetService New Zealand has reviewed the watches and warnings for Northland and upgraded parts of the region to a Red Heavy Rain Warning, with Orange Strong Wind and Heavy Rain Warnings remaining in place for the rest of the region.

A Red Warning is only issued for the most severe and impactful weather events.

This is expected to be a long‑duration event, with rain and wind continuing over several days. While some areas may not receive heavy rainfall at warning levels today (25 March), MetService expects rainfall to build over time, reaching significant levels as the event develops.

The main period of concern is from Thursday afternoon through to Friday morning, particularly for areas covered by the Red Warning, east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay down to Whangārei, where 270 to 320 mm of rain is possible during the warning period.

With this level of rainfall, dangerous river conditions, flooding, slips, landslides, hazardous driving conditions, and road closures are all possible.

This remains an evolving situation, so please continue to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and information from MetService, as well as updates from your local and regional councils.

🔴Full warning details:

🔴Heavy Rain Warning - Red
Period: 32hrs from 8pm Wed, 25 Mar - 4am Fri, 27 Mar
Area: Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangarei
Forecast: Expect 230 to 280 mm of rain. Peaks rates initially 15 to 25 mm/h, but increasing to 25 to 40 mm/h and possibly greater from Thursday afternoon through to early Friday morning. Thunderstorms possible from Thursday afternoon.
Impact: Threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips. Conditions will disrupt travel, make some roads impassable, and isolate communities.
Action: Do not enter floodwaters and avoid travel. Act quickly to self-evacuate if you see rising water. Be ready for power and communications outages.

🟠Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Period: 32hrs from 8pm Wed, 25 Mar - 4am Fri, 27 Mar
Area: Remainder of Northland not under a Red Warning
Forecast: Expect to 120 to 220 mm of rain. Peaks rates initially 15 to 25 mm/h, but increasing to 25 to 40 mm/h and possibly greater from Thursday afternoon through to early Friday morning. Thunderstorms possible from Thursday afternoon. High chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Dangerous river conditions, flooding, and slips likely. Dangerous driving conditions and road closures are expected.
Action: Do not enter floodwaters and avoid unnecessary travel. Be ready for communication and power outages. Be prepared to self-evacuate if you see rising water.

🟠Strong Wind Warning - Orange
Period: 26hrs from 9pm Wed, 25 Mar - 11pm Thu, 26 Mar
Area: Northland
Forecast: Severe gale east to northeast winds gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously

📡For the latest update on the warnings head to: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -

🙏A big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to prepare ahead of this incoming weather. For those who haven’t yet had the chance, we encourage you to use what time you can this morning to ensure you’re ready if this severe weather does impact you.

Taking a few simple steps now can make a big difference, and even if conditions aren’t as severe where you are, there’s no harm in being prepared.

🔑For anyone who hasn’t yet, or who needs a reminder — if it is safe to do so:
✅Clear drains and gutters
✅Secure loose outdoor items
✅Move valuables and vehicles away from flood-prone areas
✅Relocate stock from low-lying land and bring pets indoors
✅Have essential supplies ready in case of power outages or road closures
✅Have a grab bag and evacuation plan ready
✅Do not enter floodwaters: it only takes a small amount of moving water to knock you off your feet or sweep a vehicle away.
✅Avoid unnecessary travel over this period. Conditions may deteriorate quickly, and roads may close with little warning.
✅Be prepared to self evacuate if you see rising water, feel unsafe, or notice conditions worsening.
✅Be aware of landslide risks, and keep well away from areas that have recently been affected by slips or landslides. If you notice cracks in the ground, tilting trees or power poles, unusual noises, or rapid changes in stream levels, leave immediately.
✅If at any time you feel you, your whānau, or your property are at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 111

📍Your local district council is the best place to both report issues with and get updates on, local infrastructure, such as local roads.

Northland Civil Defence works across the councils to provide local welfare support. If centres or marae are open to provide support, they will be published on the district council websites below:

Whangarei District Council | Phone: 0800 932 463 | Website: www.wdc.govt.nz
Far North District Council| Phone: 0800 920 029 | Website: www.fndc.govt.nz
Kaipara District Council | Phone: 0800 727 059 | Website: www.kaipara.govt.nz

🔌 Power outages:
Whangārei & Kaipara Districts (Northpower): https://northpower.nz/outages/
You can contact the Northpower faults line: 0800 104 040
Far North District (Top Energy) https://outages.topenergy.co.nz/
You can phone Top Energy: 0800 867 363

🚧 State highways: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

We’ll continue to monitor conditions closely and share updates as the situation develops.

Local councils, emergency services, and Northland Civil Defence are meeting regularly and coordinating closely for this event. We are monitoring the situation with MetService and NRC Hydrology and positioning resources across the region so we can respond effectively if needed.

We’ll continue to share updates as the situation develops.

Stay safe Northland, we got this!

23/03/2026

Kia ora koutou,

On behalf of the Marae Trustees, we thank everyone who came last week to support the tangi for Colin French, one of our fellow Marae Trustees.

We thank everyone for your awhi, presence, and contributions. A special acknowledgement to those who kept our marae clean and running smoothly, and to our Ringawera, whose kai was on point throughout.

Colin always held whānau and the taiao at the forefront of his mahi as a trustee. We honour him by continuing that legacy.

To the whānau pani, we stand with you in aroha.

The Trustees are currently looking at Marae hui dates for April. We are aware there are two long weekends during that month and will take this into consideration.

Ngā mihi nui,
Marae Trustees

12/03/2026

UPDATED

He aitua, he aitua.

Ko te karanga o te mate, e kore e tāea te karo.

Ka tangi a Tangaroa Whakamanamana ki tōnā mokopuna, kua hoki atu ki a ia, ki a Colin French.

Uri ō Hakiputatōmuri, mokopuna a Rachel (Puti) rāo ko Paraire Kena, tamaiti a Waipapa. Tungāne a Julie rātou, ko Willie, Selwyn, Errol, Phylis, Judy. Hoa Tane ki a Melissa Romley, Pāpā ki a Paraire, Hine, Hone, Moko ratou ko Awarau.

Kāhore e roa ka whakairia ngā whakaritenga mō āhea ia hoki mai ai ki Waikaretu, Pouto.

Ko te moana o Kaipara, e tangi ana.

Ko te marae o Waikāretu e auē ana.

Ko Te Uri o Hau, e noho pohara nei, i tō rironga atu.

E taku rangatira e, moe mai rā.

Koha can be made to: Bank Account:

Ngahuia Pou
03-0498-0622981-026

Contact person: Ngahuia Pou (Rupapera) 021 0834 4860

UPDATE:

Colin is currently laying in state at Waikāretu Marae

Nehu Details
Tuesday 17th March 2026
Service at 11am
Nehu: Pokopu Urupā