Mayor made Maori chief

Press, 28 August 1978, Page 6

Mayor made Maori chief

When the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr H. G. Hay) became a chief of the Ngai Tahu tribe yesterday, he was given, an honour intended for the entire city.

Mr Hay received the status of chief from the Ngai Tahu elders at a ceremony at the Tuahiwi marae, near Kaiapoi. The honour was in recognition of the Christchurch City Council’s help in establishing the national marae in the city, according to Mr R. Nihoniho, chairman of the Christchurch National Marae Project’s board of trustees.

He said the distinction had been a gesture of thanks to the city of Christchurch “and as Mr Hay is considered the head of the city, it was appropriate that it be conferred upon him.” Mr Hay was given the name Aorangi, which is the Maori name for Mount Cook and means “piercer of the clouds.” He was also presented with a traditional Maori cloak, or kakahu. Mr Nihoniho said that the council’s help included the giving of 10 acres of land in Aranui for the marae. This was worth more than $120,000, and a cash grant of $20,000 had also been made. The council had sought another $25,000 and was! assisting with the'design of the meeting house and dining-room on the site. Mr Hay’s new Maori name; was also given to the meeting house. According to Mr Nihoniho, Mount Cook is a potent symbol for . South Island Maoris. The new national marae at Cuthbert’s Green Will be for all Maori people, unlike most other maraes which are intended principally . for the use of one tribe.