Kia ora koutou everybody,
welcome to 2023. Aramiha is back in the shop and catching up with orders from over the Xmas period. Thanks to all who made purchases, and have been waiting patiently. It seems Royal Mail in the UK has been a bit slow as well... thanks also to our English mates who have been waiting for over a month now.
For the Xmas and New Year season, Aramiha went home to his ancestral lands in Northlands New Zealand. He spent time on his family marae listening to the oral histories from his Mum, learning of his ancestor Hone Heke. Just behind the marae was the hill where Hone Heke used to train his men - running them up and down the hill, before they'd stop to drink at the stream next to the marae.
He also went to the Bay of Islands to see the Flagstaff which Hone Heke chopped down on several occasions in 1845- as a token of resistance to Imperial powers. 
Nearby is the church in Russell, which Heke's allies shot at as a diversion for his own attack on the Flagstaff. You can still see the musket holes in the walls of the church.
Also checked out Ruapekapeka, site of the original trench defenses which proved quite effective against British artillery and gunfire.
All in all, a spiritually strengthening and revitalising journey for Ara.
As for Mana Press, there are lots of plans for Us in 2023. Working with new people, picking up some new skills (hopefully), and starting on some new projects. All of this has us excited for 2023!
