After the service at St Paul's, the Governor-General is introduced to choir members The Governor at Putiki ‘This is not the first time I have been on this marae. I was here 65 years ago as a small boy, to hold the horse for my father—a most beloved doctor—while he visited his patients here at Putiki.’ This opening to the Governor-General's speech in reply to his welcome at Putiki marae certainly surprised many of the 600 people there. His Excellency Sir Arthur Porritt first attended morning service at St Paul's Church, Putiki, and then visited the marae for an official welcome and luncheon. Mr Hiponga escorted Sir Arthur onto the marae, where he was challenged by Utu Tamehana. Mr Winiata Parau of Ranana and Mr Rangi Pokiha from Koroniti, in welcoming His Excellency, recalled his late father, their well-known doctor, and recounted Sir Arthur's athletic exploits in his youth. They were glad to welcome him as a ‘son of Wanganui’ and expressed their pride in his achievements. Their speeches were complemented by song and poi—the famous ‘Aotea Poi’—presented by the local people. Sir Arthur was then presented with a beautiful feather cloak, made by Mrs Rerekura and Mrs Grey, and placed round his shoulders by Anne Wikitoria Metekingi. In his reply, His Excellency thanked the people for their beautiful gift, and spoke of the three traditions obviously present in New Zealand—the Maori, British pioneer, and a true New Zealand tradition which had developed over the last 20 or 30 years. He said, ‘I am not a bit pessimistic about Maoritanga,’ and spoke of Pakeha and Maori culture as being like two streams flowing alongside each other. He said, ‘Both may need straightening, or a bit of cleaning out, but we need to help each other and not be forced into one stream. This of course will need more participation and more responsibility which in turn will mean more education for both Maoris and Pakehas; but this true meeting will be real kotahitanga.’ At the conclusion of the speeches, Mr Rangi Metekingi escorted Sir Arthur slowly down a long line of old people who had been especially invited and who were seated on the marae as guests of honour. They were delighted to talk to the son of the
Rangi Pokiha welcomes His Excellency doctor they had known in their youth, and Sir Arthur obviously enjoyed their stories of past days. There was time to talk to many in the relaxed atmosphere, and time for more informal entertainment before a delightful luncheon. Sir Arthur left to the accompaniment of more songs, and left many happy old people talking to each other about the conversations they had had with him. The cloak presented to His Excellency was beautifully made, with blue, white, gold and red feathers making it one of brilliant colours. A border of Aonui pattern ran down each side of the feather overlay, and at the nape of the cloak, hukahuka feathers fell in graceful folds where the intricate whakaruakopito taniko pettern began. This was woven in black, red and white to a local tribal design. Mrs Rerekura and Mrs Grey spent almost 200 hours working on the cloak, and used feathers collected over three years. Lined with royal blue satin, it was truly a magnificent gift. Sir Arthur talking to Mr. Winiate Parau. At right is Mr Rangi Metekingi
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/TAH1972.2.17
Bibliographic details
Te Ao Hou, 1972, Page 28
Word Count
560The Governor at Putiki Te Ao Hou, 1972, Page 28
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The Secretary Maori Purposes Fund Board
C/- Te Puni Kokiri
PO Box 3943
WELLINGTON
Phone: (04) 922 6000
Email: MB-RPO-MPF@tpk.govt.nz