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Last modified: 22 Mar 2023 10:31am

Councillor Shane Epiha, artist Izzy Tinirau-Holt and family, Te Taumutu representative Harrison Hunt and Te Taumutu Kaumatua Denise Sheat stand arm in arm behind the Kai table

Bringing communities together over kai is now on the table for Selwyn, with the newly installed kai table in the sensory garden outside Te Ara Ātea.

In 2021, Council received funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to go towards activities that support interactions and connections between newcomers and communities. This funding contributed to the kai table as it continues the narrative around Te Ara Ātea and the sensory garden of bringing people together.

Community groups and families are encouraged to use the kai table for gatherings through the Waikirikiri Selwyn Welcoming Communities Network and it will also be used during festivals and celebrations during the year. On Friday 17 March, about 24 people from Selwyn community gathered around for the blessing of the table, with a warm welcoming from Taumutu Rūnanga, led by their Kaumātua Denise Sheat. The ceremony acknowledged the many people who steered and led the waka for the kai table’s journey and invited those attending to share kai on the table after karakia. Rolleston College Art Department helped develop designs for the kai table initiative.

The Waikirikiri Selwyn Communities Network then voted for their top three choices. The winning choice was a design by Rolleston College student Izzy Tinirau-Holt. Izzy’s mum Rana Holt spoke on behalf of Izzy, telling the crowd about her inspiration for the piece and the significance of the tuna (eel) depicted swimming below the mountains and stars.

“Not only was it a fun artwork for Izzy, but it is a tribute to Izzy’s koroua. He came to live near Franz Josef from Whanganui and would often hunt for tuna by the stars at night, in nearby rivers and lakes.”

Other speakers included Taumutu Rūnanga kaumātua Denise Sheat, Councillor Shane Epiha, Razi Syed from the Canterbury Interfaith Council, and Tony McNeill from Immigration New Zealand.

Denise complimented the artwork for its beauty and said Izzy should be very proud of her mahi.

“It is a marvelous artwork. I hope everyone takes ownership of it and keeps it in a beautiful condition. People can truly see what a treasure it is. It’s a Māori tradition to gather tuna for kai under the stars, no matter where your iwi is from. It is something which connects everyone, preparing and sharing kai. This kai table is for everyone.”