Coronation Hui At Turangawaewae

Te Ao Hou, September 1967, Page 25

Coronation Hui At Turangawaewae From all parts of New Zealand, people came to Turangawaewae to commemorate the death of King Koroki, to celebrate the end of Queen Te Atairangikaahu's year of mourning and take part in the annual celebrations marking her coronation, and to farewell the Governor-General, Sir Bernard Fergusson, who was making his final visit to the marae. The five days of celebration began on 18 May with a Pai Marire service in Mahinarangi at 5.30 a.m., the time King Koroki had died a year before. A memorial service was conducted on the marae at 11 a.m. by the Revd Rangi Rogers. Visitors began arriving on Friday evening, and all through Saturday many groups were welcomed, among them a large party of Cook Island Maoris who performed many of their traditional dances in front of Mahinarangi. A large group of Ratana Church people came, and Mrs Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan made her first visit to the marae since her father's death. A group of vocational Guidance officers when replying to their welcome promised support and help for Maori pupils who sought their advice. Sports competitions began, and in the evening, the Cook Islands people again entertained the large crowd. A misty Sunday morning began with early services on the marae and a challenge and welcome to Princess Pilolevu and Prince ‘Alaivahamamao, children of King Taufa'ahau Topu of Tonga, and their cousins Prince ‘Uluvalu and Princesses Siulikutapu, Taone and ‘Ofieina, children of the Tongan Prime Minister, Prince Tu'ipelehake. Their attendants brought a huge Tongan mat, a gift for the Queen. Cook Island Maoris perform their traditional dances in front of Mahinarangi after being welcomed to the coronation celebrations.

Photographs by Theo Kirt Dave Manihera places the wero-stick during the challenge to the Tongan Royal party. Some of the visitors to Ngaruawahia wait outside. Kimikimi for their meal, on the misty Sunday morning.

Escorted by Mr A. McKay come the Tongan royal children, Prince ‘Uluvalu, Princess Pilolevu and Prince ‘Alaivahamamao. The climax came at mid-morning when the Governor-General and his party arrived. All then took part in the interdenominational service, at which Bishop of Waikato, the Rt Revd J. T. Holland gave the address. During the speeches of welcome Sir Bernard and Lady Fergusson were presented by the Queen's daughters, Princesses Heni Te Wharemaru and Tomairangi with a carved inkstand and an ipu, and their son Geordie with a belt. Speaking on behalf of the people present, Mr Te O Uenuku Rene, Mr Paraire Herewini and Mr Haare Piahana asked Sir Bernard to convey the loyalty of the Maori people to the Queen and thanked him for his interest in their people—‘You have seen fit to visit our people even in the hollows of the land’, and referring to the past said, ‘Had you been our Governor then, some of the unpleasant things that happened would not have happened.’ In his reply, Sir Bernard said that his family's association with Turangawaewae went back 94 years, when his grandfather was brought to the marae. His message was, ‘Pakeha and Maori must not relax in their determination to get to know each other.’ He suggested that to avoid misunderstandings, the customs of both should be taught in schools, and urged young Maoris to learn their own language. ‘As long as we live we will never forget the Lower, lower and still lower … one of the Tongan visitors joins in the fun while the band plays.

Mr M. R. Jones and Mr. W. Paki lead the vice-regal party onto the marae. kindness of the Maori people of New Zealand. We will never forget you, and we will miss you terribly.’ He offered Queen Te Ata his best wishes for her future, wishing her deep satisfaction and happiness in her position of authority, and in farewelling the people said the best words he could use were those from Holy Scripture, ‘The Lord watch between thee and me when we are parted one from another.’ After lunch in Turongo, the vice-regal party watched the senior section of the cultural championships before leaving the marae, crossing from side to side to greet old friends. Many people wept during the farewell song. Cultural competitions and sports finals continued for the rest of the day, and on Monday members of the Maori University Graduates' Association visited the marae. Many of the weekend crowd returned on Tuesday for the final celebrations marking the actual coronation, when the service was conducted by ministers from several churches, and the sermon given by Canon Hohepa Taepa. As they leave the marae, Sir Bernard and Lady Fergusson turn to greer old friends.