Kakara Whakarei

Kakara Whakarei – Cultural Growth Group was inspired by the traditions of the iwi and literally means to “Enhance the aromatic scent of Raukawa”. The aromatic essence of the Raukawa plant was the sweet smelling oil that Māhinaarangi used to adorn her body.  This was the perfume that Tūrongo came to recognise during moonlit encounters with Mahinaarangi the puhi of Ngāti Kahunungunu.                                                                                                           

The Raukawa oil is the life essence, the mauri of the Raukawa plant.  Our reo, and mātauranga ā iwi, ā hapū, ā whānau is the essence, the mauri of our Raukawa culture and our continued existence as ngā uri o Raukawa.