Ahead of the release of Hokomenetai on Friday 1 May — a modern collection of traditional Moriori rongo (music) and karakī (prayers/incantations) — we sat down with artist Ajay Peni Ataera to go a little deeper behind the music.

Across Rēkohu, mainland Aotearoa and beyond, communities came together to celebrate ta rē Moriori with houkawe (pride), curiosity, and ka koa (joy). It was inspiring to see our language embraced in so many spaces, by so many people, in so many different ways.

The discovery of the Rangihoua waka is one of the most significant cultural findings for Moriori.  Resting within a protected archeological landscape, this waka is a sacred link to our karāpuna.

The waka was uncovered at the mouth of the Rangihoua Stream on the northern coast of Rēkohu.  The discovery sits within a wider Moriori cultural landscape known as Site 100, an area rich with middens and wāhi tchap’. This coastline holds special statutory protection for Moriori, recognising its deep cultural significance.

For Moriori, it is no surprise the waka was found at Rangihoua stream.  Our karāpuna named this place and those names carry memories.  Our oral traditions tell of early Pacific voyaging, settlement on Rēkohu and Rangihaute, and the arrival of the Rangimata and Rangihoua waka. Archaeological work now supports those kōrer', aligning with traditions that place the Rangihoua and Rangimata voyage around 800 years ago.

The waka’s size, construction, and carved elements reflect Moriori knowledge, artistry, and innovation. Bird forms and distinctive notching connect the waka to Moriori carving traditions seen across rākau momori, whare, and miheke.

Only part of the waka has been excavated so far. Moriori have stepped forward to support the next phase, ensuring the waka is carefully excavated and protected in line with tikane Moriori.

The story of this waka is still unfolding, continuing to reveal our history, presence and relationship with our henu, moana, karāpuna and hokopapa.

In July, we hosted a two-day Puanga Taumaha wānanga in Ashburton, where attendees learned about the Moriori New Year and its significance within tikane Moriori. Participants were encouraged to plan their own meaningful New Year celebrations with their hūnau, weaving in these values alongside supporting rongo and karakī.

In March, Trustees Jared Watty and Belinda Williamson travelled to Canberra on behalf of HMT to take part in the profoundly moving repatriation of two kōimi tchakat’ Moriori (Moriori ancestral remains) from the National Museum of Australia. This moment marked not just the return of our karāpuna (ancestors), but another step in the continuing journey of reconnection and healing for our imi.

Hokotehi Moriori Trust joins New Zealand’s pledge to the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge.

What a week of celebrations our Puanga festivities were!

In just a few hours, 700 plants (a mixture of native and endemic species) were planted. 

After careful planning between Hokotehi Moriori Trust, Ngati Mutunga o Wharekauri, Moriori Imi Settlement Trust and the Department of Conservation (DoC), the excavation of rongomoana 'Rautini' began on July 9.

In March 2025, Trustees Jared Watty and Belinda Williamson travelled to Canberra on behalf of HMT to take part in the profoundly moving repatriation of two kōimi tchakat’ Moriori (Moriori ancestral remains) from the National Museum of Australia.

In a marriage of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology, Hokotehi Moriori Trust partnered with a research team from the University of Otago to create an immersive, multi-sensory exhibition – the result of a two-year groundbreaking project to illuminate the cultural vibrance of Moriori people. 

In March, Te Papa conservator Nirmala Balram returned to Rēkohu with imi member Bella Penter to further treat the rākau momori housed within the Kōpinga grounds. During their visit, stages one and two of an ongoing conservation plan were completed, with the assistance of on-island volunteers.