Published by Te Tākupu 

21 Āperira 2026 

The second journal of Whakatupu Mātauranga was launched today in Te Ara a Tāwhaki, Te Wānanga o Raukawa with karakia and karanga, and with a good turnout of attendees. 

As part of the launch, we heard from Mereana Selby who spoke about the papers in the first section encouraging us to read them as they record important stages in the history of Te Wānanga o Raukawa and the Confederation of Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Toa Rangatira. These papers are a selection of material relating to the claim lodged by Te Wānanga o Raukawa with the Waitangi Tribunal in 2017, known as the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Whakatupu Mātauranga claim. 

In the second section, there are papers on a range of subjects. “Tikanga Māori and the Rights and Obligations of Free Speech”, an exploration of free speech by Carwyn Jones appears here. He gave a short overview on his paper and finished with this mindful quote from Moana Jackson, "The bliss of freedom enjoyed by those who have power should never mean the right to cause pain to those who are comparatively powerless. And no one’s exercise of free speech should make another feel less free." 

The third and final section has reflections of people during the Covid-19 pandemic. One of those was Merrin Taratoa, who was the final speaker. She recited her humorous poem, “Lockdown on Waerenga Road in 2020” about life at her residence during the covid lockdown. 

Congratulations to all the contributors. 

If you would like to purchase a copy, go to https://tetakupu.wananga.com

Below: Merrin Taratoa reciting her poem at the launch