Atawhai Creative Communications

24/04/2026

Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou.

Today we remember.

We honour and reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and service of all those who stood for Aotearoa, and the whānau who stood behind them.

On this day, we also acknowledge Sergeant Haane Te Rauawa Manahi, DCM, who served in the 28th Māori Battalion. He was a koro of immense mana, courage, and humility.

Born in Ōhinemutu in 1913, Haane was one of the first to enlist in the Māori Battalion in 1939. He served with distinction across Greece, Crete, North Africa, and Tunisia, including at El Alamein and the fierce fighting at Takrouna in April 1943.

At Takrouna, he led a small group of soldiers in a daring and sustained assault on heavily defended enemy positions. Under intense fire, over many hours, he showed extraordinary leadership, bravery, and determination - actions that led to him being recommended for the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour for gallantry.

Despite this recommendation being supported by senior commanders, the award was downgraded to a Distinguished Conduct Medal. This outcome was deeply felt by his comrades and fellow soldiers, who believed his actions warranted the highest recognition.

After his passing in 1986, members of the Māori Battalion, his whānau, and iwi continued to advocate for greater acknowledgement of his service and bravery. While a posthumous VC was not granted, in 2007 his courage was formally honoured through a special presentation - including a letter from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a ceremonial sword, and an altar cloth gifted for use at St Faith’s Church in Ōhinemutu.

Today, his legacy continues to be remembered and shared with new generations, including through the film Sgt. Haane, which opens in cinemas today.

We honour Sergeant Haane Manahi, and all those who served with courage, humility, and aroha.

Kei Wareware Tātau

08/04/2026

Feedback like this is why we love what we do 🤍

We’re so grateful we were able to work alongside Mana Social Services Trust on their website, to create a space that reflects their commitment to supporting whānau and strengthening hauora in the community.

We’re proud of what we created together, and even more excited by the impact it will have on sustaining healthier hapori.

If you haven’t already, take a look at their new site 👇

https://manasocialservicestrust.co.nz/

07/04/2026

We’re proud to support kaupapa that puts whānau at the centre.

Real voices from across Te Arawa are being shared - honest experiences, whakaaro, and stories from our people about childhood vaccinations.

It’s about connection, not pressure. Creating space for kōrero that helps whānau make the best decisions for their own 🤍

09/03/2026

Last week we had the privilege of attending the Māori Pharmacists’ Association Symposium in Rotorua for their kaupapa “He Puna Rongoā – Where knowledge sustains wellbeing”.

It was a powerful day hearing from passionate speakers and leaders committed to improving hauora outcomes for our whānau and hapori.

We love being able to support our clients to share and highlight the important mahi they are doing in our communities. Ka mau te wehi to everyone involved 💛

11/02/2026

He taonga - ngā kōrero tuku iho. Our stories carry our whakapapa, our strength, and our future.

Recently in Rotorua, we had the privilege of sitting with whānau, listening, and reflecting — and helping share their stories back to te hapori.

This is the mahi we love. Creating space for our people to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

When we tell our pūrākau, we protect them. We shape them. We pass them on with mana.

Thank you to our whānau involved, to Te Taura Ora o Waiariki - Te Arawa IMPB and to RAPHS for their support and enabling this mahi to happen.

Let’s tell our stories, our way. ✊🏽🖤
What makes us happy? Tēnei!

05/02/2026

Today, i te Rā o Waitangi, we pause.

We reflect on our past - on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and on the relationships and responsibilities it set in motion.
On the journey that has shaped the nation we continue to build together.
We acknowledge both the mamae and the strength, the fractures and the resilience, that live in our shared history.

In light of the devastating events we’ve already witnessed this year, today also calls us back to what matters most.
To aroha for those we love.
To care for one another.
And to our enduring connection with te taiao.

February 6th, Waitangi Day, reminds us that connection is not passive - it is something we choose and tend to.
We look to the future with intention, deciding where we place our energy.
Strengthening the bonds that sustain us.
Protecting and nurturing te taiao.
Uplifting our whānau, our communities, and each other.

May today remind us to listen deeply, to move gently, and to honour our commitments - to people, to place, and to one another - as we move forward together.

He taonga te tangata. He taonga te whenua.

*The great waka Ngātokimatawhaorua, built for the 1940 Waitangi commemoration and relaunched in 1974. Te Tii marae is in the background. (Photo credit: John Miller)

26/01/2026

Tauranga Moana is our community. We acknowledge and are deeply grateful to the rangatira, iwi, hapū and marae across our rohe who have stepped up with manaakitanga following the devastating events of the past week.
We are one community, standing together - kotahitanga 🤍

24/12/2025

Meri Kirihimete from our whānau to yours! 🎄

Here’s a peek at our team enjoying some festive fun - he wā tino ngāhau me te harikoa!

No matter how you’re spending the day, we hope it’s filled with aroha, reka kai and moments that make you smile.

Kia pai te rā e te whānau!

He iti tangata e tupu – he iti toki e iti tonu. People grow, adzes remain small – people are more valuable than possessions.

01/12/2025

We’re celebrating the wā with some awesome kupu from Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - perfect for all those sunny haerenga ahead.

If you’re heading to the moana, out with the tamariki, or just soaking up Tama nuit e Rā, these phrases are an easy way to bring more reo into your everyday moments 🌊🌞

Save the tiles, share with your whānau, and try weaving te reo Māori into your summer kōrero 💛

13/11/2025

Every bit of reo counts! You don’t need to speak reo perfectly - just kōrero! Speak with your tamariki, share with whānau, or practice wherever you are. Singing waiata, learning place names, or sharing a whakataukī - these simple ideas all help our reo thrive 💛

Your reo journey doesn’t have to be perfect to make an impact 💫 Singing with your tamariki, practising place names, or sharing a whakataukī are all powerful ways to uplift te reo Māori 🌿🫶

Comment with a ✋ if you managed to tick one (or all five!) off 💪🏽✨

Kia Kaha te Reo Māori | Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori