Pōwhiri marks the beginning of Centenary celebrations at Whakakī Marae
This week, Te Tumu Paeroa was honoured to attend the pōwhiri for the centenary celebrations at Whakaki Marae in Ngāti Kahungunu country.
Hine Orangi Maunga
Ngāti Hinepua, Ngāti Hine Te Pairu, Ngāi Te Ipu
Whakaki tangata
Otirā Ngāti Kahungunu ringa hora
Tēnei a Te Tumu Paeroa e mihi nei!!
One hundred years of stories, whakapapa and aroha - and so much to celebrate! Standing alongside whānau, hapū, kaumātua, kuia and manuhiri, we were privileged to mark a century of Te Hōro, built in 1926. It was a celebration of the whare and the generations whose memories and manaakitanga are woven into its story.
Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel with Arapera (Bella) Tuahine and Wairoa Mayor Craig Little
The karanga, whaikōrero and waiata brought that story to life, expressing the wairua of the people and their enduring connection to their whare. One morning could only begin to capture a hundred years of shared memories, and with a full programme planned by whānau, there is much more to share, remember and celebrate together.
Our connection with Whakaki includes kaimahi with whakapapa to the whenua, long term administration of blocks in area, lagoon restoration and the operation of Hereheretau Station.
Hereheretau Station is the only remaining asset of the Māori Soldiers Trust, the station is vested in the Māori Trustee and administered through Te Tumu Paeroa. Its purpose reaches beyond the farm, supporting Māori educational achievement through the Sir Āpirana Ngata Memorial Scholarship programme and carrying forward the legacy of the 28th Māori Battalion.
(L-R) Whakaki Marae kaumātua with Kaitiaki Whenua Māori Dr Charlotte Severne
That connection grew stronger earlier this year with the acquisition of the Tangitere Block, bringing another significant part of the whenua into the care of the Māori Soldiers Trust and Te Tumu Paeroa, in partnership with local hapū.
A heartfelt mihi to the whānau whose manaakitanga welcomed everyone gathered, and to the many hands working behind the scenes to bring this celebration together. The pōwhiri opened the celebrations with whakawhanaungatanga, generosity and remembrance at their heart.
Thank you, Whakaki whānau, for welcoming Te Tumu Paeroa to share in this special milestone. As we honour a century of Te Hōro, we also celebrate the enduring place of Whakaki Marae – connecting its people to their whenua and carrying that connection forward for generations to come.
