Harakeke, Pingao, Kawakawa, Karamu These taonga plants have ...

However, the health challenges Hapū members experience are similar to those faced by Maori
across the country generally. The difference is that these challenges are compounded by the
isolation and higher charges to receive medical care and services. Typically prevalent health issues
include:
• Glue ear
• Rheumatic fever
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Diabetes
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Asthma and eczema
• An increasing number of Kaumatua require specialist and respite care
We have Hapū members who were exposed to chemicals from working at the timber tanalising plant
on Matakana Island. Workers at comparable sites have suffered severe, long-term, medical
conditions which equates with what is experienced by our Hapū members. Among our Hapū
members, we have anecdotal evidence of birth defects, cancers and other problems typical of
chemical poisoning.
Education
An educational challenge is that of maintaining educational facilities given our limited population
and fluctuating birth rates. Returning families, combined with those currently on the Islands, will
ensure enough tamariki to keep Te Kohanga Reo and the primary school open.
Keeping these institutions going is crucial from a cultural and social perspective. A recent Hauora
survey revealed approx 7% of adult residents are fluent in Te Reo Rangatira. Te Kohanga Reo, the
primary school and the Marae on the Islands play a vital role in revitalising our language.
We have 13 secondary school students who travel to the mainland and back each day for schooling.
This is a particularly long day for our students, and the journey can be dangerous in rough weather.
There are constraints around getting to and from barges on time. Living on the Islands affects the
extent to which students can participate in extra-curricular activities on the mainland. Because of
the ferry and barge timings, our students are unlikely to seek guidance from teachers, coaches,
mentors and the like.
Some families choose to send their teenagers to board on the mainland during their secondary
school years. There are no easy answers for meeting these challenges and providing opportunities
for our tamariki. The Hapū are working on plans to successfully address these issues.
Housing and Papakāinga
New housing is a priority for our communities. Hapū members currently living on the Islands wish to
build more durable, low cost and environmentally friendly homes.
Within a few years, leased land will become available and this presents new opportunities for those
members who wish to return and live on whanau land. The challenge is to set up appropriate
Section 3 – Matakana and Rangiwaea Hapū Management Plan – 29 October 2012 – vers 10.2 – Page 30