31/05/2021
Thank you to Simplicity Bereavement Services for allowing us to be a Pou Manaaki based in Tamaki in association with you. We will be privileged to look after our Kahungunu whanau whānui who are in Tamaki Makaurau. Tihei Kahungunu
We would like to introduce Rikki Solomon as Pou Manaaki with Simplicity Bereavement Services in caring for Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi members in Auckland and the surrounding areas.
Ko Takitimu te Waka
Ko Orangi te Maunga
Ko Te Ewe te Moana
Ko Ngāti Kahungunu te Iwi
Ko Ngāi te Ipu te Hapu
Ko Whakaki te Marae
Ko Mamari te Waka
Ko Omanutwhiri te Maunga
Ko Waimahana te Moana
Ko Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa te iwi
Ko Ngāti Aukiwa te Hapu
Ko Te Puhi o te Waka te Marae.
Rikki is from the iwi of Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa. He has over 25-years’ experience working in the Tangihanga industry as a Kaimanaaki tupapaku (Embalmer) and Kaiatawhai (Funeral director).
Currently, he works within Te Wharekoiwi (Funeral Home), called Te Rangikahupapa Tangihanga and is also the Head Technician at Auckland Mortuary Services Ltd. Rikki also works in the Aronui team at Turuki Health Care and facilitates the maramataka wananga with whanau.
He also is a Mataora (a change agent) who practices the principles of Mahi a Atua within Te Kurahuna. At Te Kurahuna he facilitates the Maramataka that aligns with the principles of the Mahi-a-Atua kaupapa.
Rikki holds a National Certificate in Embalming and He Waka Hiringa: Master’s Degree in Applied Indigenous Knowledge from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
He is currently working on his Doctorate of Indigenous Development and Advancement at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. His focus is on Ngā Kitenga o te Maramataka: Insights into the Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) and its relation to whakamomori (su***de).
The maramataka was a way of life for our tūpuna. It helped govern activities and actions that allowed them to stand firm within their environment as kaitiaki of ‘te taiao’ (the environment).
Ko au tenei
Mauri Tu, Mauri Ora
