“KAHUKURA AROHA”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6808, 11 January 1929, Page 11

“KAHUKURA AROHA”

CHILDREN'S CAMP At PORT WAIKATO. NAMED BY MAORIS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. The naming of thd children’s camp at Port Waikato,; recently, donated to the Hamilton Children’s Welfare League by Mr. E.jSpargoj exercised the minces of tho Maoris of the district, who naturally feit the instincts of a race highly gifted in the art of appropriate nomenclature. It is historic ground and memories of great local chiefs and deeds of prowess were recalled round the hangis. After much deliberation and debate, such as the Maori loves, a name w-as suggested and approved for submission to tho league. It was “Kahukura Aroha.”

Kahukura was a great chief who, 21 generations ago, lived & the vicinity of where the sites of two of his great pas, Putataka and Kokalco, can be discerned to-day. They guarded all approaches to the coast between the Waikato river and Raglan harbour. The local Maoris arc direct descendants of Kahukura, and they can name all the chiefs of tho lino in direct succession from this great warrior who, according to legend, destroyed the taniWha which sought to enter the quiet waters of the river. The second' part of the name, “aroha,” was added to indicate the motive behind tha: gift and thus “Kahukura Aroha” connected the ideas of power and love. After due cerdmony the name was explained and submited to the officials of the league, who decided at once that it was very appropriate, and their thanks wore extended to their Maori friends for tho, name and for the help they had given in making the holiday of the children? a, happy one. - It may be remarked that “kahul.ura” is also the name of a garment made out of flax fibre, interwoven with the red feathers of the kaka, which was worn only by chiefs.