Te Whakapūtanga o te Atua - Day 33
In the sacred valleys of Aotearoa, beneath the watchful gaze of the maunga and the whispering ngahere, there was a time when harmony within the iwi began to crumble. The values of tikanga (righteousness) and manaakitanga (compassion) were neglected. Greed, conflict, and disregard for the whenua had begun to take root, threatening the balance cherished by the people.
The kaumātua of the iwi gathered at the marae to seek guidance. They performed long karakia, calling upon the atua and Io Matua Kore, the supreme source of all life. As they chanted, a warm breeze swept through the wharenui, and the voice of Tāne Mahuta, the atua of the forest, resonated through the air like a gentle waiata.
When tikanga fades and matekiri (disharmony) arises, Tāne said, Io Matua Kore, through the atua, manifests anew to restore balance and guide the people back to the ways of light.
Soon after, a child was born to the iwi, surrounded by signs of divine blessing. Birds of all kinds gathered at the whare, and the rivers flowed with an unusual clarity. The kaumātua named the child Rongo, after the atua of peace and cultivated lands, believing he would be the one to lead the iwi back to harmony.
As Rongo grew, his wisdom far surpassed his years. He taught the people to honor kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the whenua, to uphold manaakitanga for one another, and to align their actions with tikanga. He reminded them that life was a sacred connection between the wairua, the whenua, and Io Matua Kore.
When righteousness wanes and shadows grow, Rongo would say, we must remember the teachings of the atua. For in each of us, their spirit is alive, and through us, the balance can be restored.
Under his guidance, the iwi flourished again. They planted trees, nurtured their rivers, and cared for one another as whānau. Balance and peace returned to the land, and the harmony of tapu and noa was restored.
Moral of the Story:
When tikanga (righteousness) declines and the balance of life is disrupted, the divine manifests through those chosen to lead and guide the people. It is our collective duty to listen, to act, and to restore the harmony that sustains all of creation.
Poll: Is your nearest emergency department up to scratch?
Concerns have been raised about Nelson Hospital with complaints of lack of staffing and excessive wait times. Do you have confidence in your local emergency department?
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35.2% Yes, it serves us well
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63.8% No, I have concerns
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1% Other - I'll share below
Arrests linked to burglaries
Auckland Central Police have cleared out two apartments full of stolen property, resulting in four arrests.
In the process an excess of 80 stolen items, including 13 electric scooters, have been recovered by Police.
Auckland Central Area Commander Inspector Grant Tetzlaff says an investigation has been underway into a series of burglaries at businesses and apartments in the city over the past month.
On Wednesday morning, the City Tactical Crime Unit along with the Beat Team and Police Support Unit executed two search warrants.
“Operation Rocket homed in on two apartments within a Hobson Street complex,” Inspector Tetzlaff says.
“Inside our teams came across an Aladdin’s cave of stolen property and it’s going to take some time to work through where everything has come from.”
Amongst the find was 13 electric scooters, an assortment of power tools and other electronic valuables.
Some of the power tools have been linked to a North Shore burglary in 2019, Inspector Tetzlaff says.
Four people at the addresses have been arrested and charged.
“Charges laid at this point relate to two burglaries at a Wellesley Street business, and a Union Street apartment last month,” he says.
Those charged are two men, aged 28 and 36, and two women, aged 35 and 41.
A 28-year-old man has been charged with two counts of burglary. He has also been charged with the aggravated robbery of an electric scooter in January.
A 41-year-old woman faces two charges of burglary. The other two arrested face charges of receiving stolen property.
Separately, a 47-year-old woman was located during search warrants in possession of methamphetamine and charged accordingly.
“The team working on Operation Rocket are continuing with their enquiries and further charges cannot be ruled out at this stage,” Inspector Tetzlaff says.
“Burglary is a serious offence and brings with it a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
“It’s a fantastic outcome as our team continue to work hard in holding this offending to account.”
Those charged are now before the Auckland District Court.
Winter Energy Payment
The Winter Energy Payment starts again on Thursday 1 May. This helps keep your home warm and dry over winter.
If you get NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension, you will be entitled to receive it from Thursday 1 May until Wednesday 1 October. This is done automatically; you don’t need to apply.
When you receive NZ Super on Tuesday 6 May it will include a part Winter Energy Payment. Your first full Winter Energy Payment will be on Tuesday 20 May.
Couples and people with dependent children will get $31.82 a week. Single and widowed people will get $20.46 a week.
Couples will receive a combined payment which is made to one person in the couple – unfortunately we can’t split it, but we can switch it to the other person’s account. Please get in touch if you want to do so by calling the MSD Seniors Line on 0800 552 002.
If you are overseas
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If you are travelling overseas during this period, or you are already in another country on Tuesday 1 May, you can keep getting the Winter Energy Payment for up to 28 days (or four weeks).
You must tell MSD if you’ll be away for more than 28 days, otherwise you could be paid incorrectly. If this happens, you may be required to pay some money back.
The easiest way to let MSD know about your travel is using the ‘Overseas travel dates for NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension’ online form, or by giving MSD a call on 0800 552 002. You will also need to tell MSD when you return, so your payment can be started again.
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