Maori Leadership Award weekend-hosted by Takitimu District Maori Council

Tu Tangata, Issue 4, 1 February 1982, Page 33

Maori Leadership Award weekend-hosted by Takitimu District Maori Council

Leslie Parr, For the Wellington Supporters.

Once again the New Zealand Maori Council Leadership Awards, funded by the Rothmans Foundation, have been a great success. The 1981 function was hosted by the Takitimu District Maori Council, with award recipients and supporters being accomodated at Te Ore Ore Marae. The thanks of all who were fortunate enough to be present during the entire weekend must surely go to the Wairarapa executive for the preparation and thought given to the programme. Thank you Eric Tamepo and George Hawkins. Thanks also to district council chairman, John Tangiora. From the mayoral reception on Friday, thru to the presentation function on Saturday and finally to the addresses by Hiwi Tauroa and Whata Winiata on Sunday morning all flowed smoothly. What a brilliant idea to have two guest speakers of the calibre of Hiwi and Whata an experience we will long remember. The inter-denominational church service and the sermon wonderful. Sad note The sad note brought about by the death of Mrs Peni, mother of the Aotea recipient, Kataraina Peni, I feel, drew us all closer together as we were able to share with Kataraina when her mother came to lie with us at Te Ore Ore before taking her last journey to her home marae. Colonel Frank Rennie, chairman of Rothmans foundation, and Mrs Colleen Rennie, were present from start to finish, and I think they enjoyed their time with us. I know that we enjoyed their company as we always do. We from the Wellington Supporters’ group made the most of the weekend and as usual had a most enjoyable time. Our award recipients did us proud and we feel honoured that they allowed their nominations to go forward. Friendly cards We may have had some niggles about our driver on the return journey but this in no way detracted from the enjoyment of our weekend. The warmth and friendship of all who stayed at Te Ore Ore. The singing, the humour, the ‘friendly’ games of cards, need I say more. The Wellington contingent enjoyed every moment. Finally I must make mention of one whom we shall never forget I dont think he had much sleep while we were at Te Ore Ore thank you for our breakfast a mighty job and we look forward to meeting with you again Charlie!!! I now look forward with pleasure to the 1982 leadership awards, and perhaps some of us who met this year will meet again in some other district council area next year. Kia ora.