Hui Aranga at Wanganui

Te Ao Hou, March 1969, Page 34

Children march through Queen's Park during the procession of the Blessed Sacrament National Publicity Studios photographs Hui Aranga at Wanganui by Eddie McLeod Tribute must be given to the tangata whenua, for the effort and organisation of the hui. For me the concept of tangata whenua has wide implications and meanings. To include priests and laymen, people of all races, Catholic and non-Catholic people — in summary, those of Wanganui who built the stage on which the essence The local people welcome their guests to the Hui Aranga, at the War Memorial Hall forecourt

A welcoming action song from the hosts of Christian faith and the soul of Maoritanga stood resolutely side by side, the importance of one not underwriting in any way the significance of the other — meant a great deal. Since the advent of Pope John, the ecumenical movement has grown. Maoritanga and Christianity have been, and will be, the mainstay of Maori society. Differences in Church affiliation have never been a barrier to the performance and loyalty of our Maori way of life. This hui and similar Maori gatherings are proof to the world that ecumenism is no stranger to the Maori. The aged and the young who attended the Hui Aranga seemed to differ in one respect, and the comparison is made in the knowledge that my statement could be challenged. From my observations the aged participated far more in the religious ceremonies. However, I had the feeling that many of the young who did attend religious functions, were having their first real taste and meaningful experience of the modern church. Hence the importance of endeavours to ensure the permanency of the Hui Aranga ideal, and the opportunity, therefore, of religious participation for youth in an era that has little or no time for religion generally. Maoridom received its accolade from the Church with the presentation for the first time of the Mass in the Maori language. This innovation is highly significant of what is happening in the Maori world where the preservation of our language is concerned. To illustrate, at the Correspondence School of the Education Department, because of the dramatic rise in enrolments for the Maori langauge course, there are now five teachers of the Maori langauge. Obviously ‘te reo Maori’ lives on. When a group of our elders are seen together or often enough in numbers, they seem to possess an influence that deeply touches the younger generations. Their bearing, dignity, and manner seem to generate respect in a world where many nations have forsaken their aged. In the near future our old people will no longer be with us. The Hui Aranga, through the elders, made me reflect on the past and reinforced the continuing need for us all to help our old people in every way possible. Scenes of joy and glad tears were commonplace at the hui, as relatives met, childhood friendships were renewed, and yesterdays were relived. Competitions, both recreational and cultural, held intense interest. For me the highlight of the group activities was the haka performance by Waipatu. This haka had continued on page 43