Hato Paora tour

Tu Tangata, Issue 6, 1 June 1982, Page 38

Hato Paora tour

Hato Paora Maori Boys College near Feilding were away on a cultural tour of the South Island in May.

Deputy Principal, Father Earl Crotty said the tour had a number of objectives as few of the boys had been to the South Island or experienced ‘Maoriness’ in the southern latitudes.

“We feel we have something to give by way of cultural exchange in our concerts and meeting with old boys of the school, and are very much in the position of receiving the love and friendship and hospitality of those who worked to make our ten day tour a success.”

As well as the concerts, Hato Paora College had three rugby games, which at the time of the magazine going to print, were undecided. Father Crotty said the parents of boys from the South

Island were very keen to see the school in action in their part of New Zealand, as that kept alive the family spirit in the college. Most of the finance for the tour was raised by the students themselves, with a generous grant by the college’s PTFA, and another by the Maori and Island Education section of the Education Department. Travelling on the tour were Brother Bernard Stevenson, S.M. the coach of the Ist XV; Father James Gresham, S.M. College Rector; and 40 students, 12 staff and parents.