Te Ohu o Onekiritea was founded by Te Rauhiringa (Krystal Lee) Brown and Jewelz Petley in early 2022. This initiative emerged from a movement aimed at achieving the following goals:

• Create opportunities for Māori to come together and foster a sense of belonging in Onekiritea.

• Create cohesive community relationships between Tangata Whanua and Tangata Tiriti in Onekiritea.

Over the past two years, Te Ohu has secured just under $100,000 through various grants to host community events, te reo lessons, and educational opportunities for Tangata Tiriti partners. Additionally, they provide advocacy and cultural advice on various kaupapa (issues) within Onekiritea and surrounding areas.

Te Ohu is an informal group of whānau Māori living in Onekiritea. We meet monthly to socialize, discuss upcoming kaupapa, and address any arising issues. We have aligned ourselves informally with Mana Whenua Te Kawerau ā Maki and aspire to establish a relationship with Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara.

Though not formally registered, we adhere to a set of values and prioritised outcomes. Our goal is to ensure that we, as Māori, are seen, heard, and acknowledged as Tangata Whenua in the place we call home.

—
Jewelz Petley
Co-Founder