HUI TOOPU AT ROTORUA

Te Ao Hou, June 1960, Page 23

HUI TOOPU AT ROTORUA Some five thousand Maori people from most parts of New Zealand attended the annual Hui Toopu of the Church of England, Waiapu Diocese, in Rotorua last month. It was the biggest Hui Toopu yet held. Visitors were lavish in their praise of the extremely high standard of organisation achieved by those running the hui. The concentrated programme, involving large numbers, was presented in a remarkably smooth manner. The weekend programme was a varied one, featuring church services, cultural competitions, concert and talent quests, and a youth dance. The visiting delegations were made up mostly of youth groups and young people. The cultural competition aggregate was won by the well-known Hikurangi group under Mr George Reedy. This combination won several events, including the action song, choral and haka competitions. One of the features of the hui was the initial performance of the anthem “Maranga” by Lieut. Colonel Awatere. It was sung by a group of secondary school pupils and adults from Auckland under the conductorship of the composer. The item received an enthusiastic reception. This anthem was inspired by the death of 2nd.-Lieut. Moana Ngarimu, V.C., in the Western Desert. Another feature of the hui was the large contingent from the Wellington Diocese. This group 200 strong, gave a mass performance of a variety of cultural items. The main service of the hui was conducted on Sunday, May 15, by the Rt. Rev. W. N. Panapa, Bishop of Aotearoa. Addressing the Hutt Rotary Club recently, the Assistant Controller of Maori Welfare, Mr N. P. K. Puriri, described some of the difficulties of the Maori people. Noting the growing population in New Zealand, Mr Puriri said that 60 to 65 per cent were under 21. Many were moving into towns and cities where “quite a number get into trouble.” “The basic problem,” he said, “is that many come from poor homes that have not the tradition of your way of life, of your knowledge of economics and your background of occupations and vocations.” The present status of the Maori was mainly a question of likes and dislikes, but he expressed pleasure in saying that in Wellington and the Hutt, where there were many opportunities, many young Maoris were trade apprentices, and in the Hutt Valley there were good housing facilities for Maoris. The Welfare Division encouraged Maoris to join various organisations where possible, but there was a tendency for people from rural areas to move and orbit round the people they knew. “Where Maoris are breaking into new fields, they are pioneering the way for other Maoris,” said Mr Puriri. “People are ready to be critical of the Maori population, but the behaviour of young people is only a reflection of the society they are living in. Youngsters, given the proper assistance, will find their niche in the community.”