Newly-renovated house opened

Tu Tangata, Issue 14, 1 October 1983, Page 6

Newly-renovated house opened

The newly-renovated house at the Waiatuhi marae, Mourea, in the Rotorua district was recently opened. The house, was restored because it had been falling down and parts of the original house were able to be sal-

(L to R) Ruka Broughton, Kara Puketapu, Sonny Waru. In Mr Puketapu's hands are the two tokotoko presented to him, carved by Irirangi Tiakiawa and Ruihane Philips.

vaged. The original house, Kahumatamomoe, was opened in April 1914. The poutokomanawa or centre pole which was carved in 1860, is intact and has only had to be repainted. The amo and maihi from the front of the house

are also originals. All the other carvings inside the house and in the porch were done by Peter Hemi and Mina Mitai. The tukutuku, woven panels, were done by local women. The kowhaiwhai

and taniko patterns have been copied from the original house. Mr Ihakara Puketapu, secretary for Maori Affairs, opened the house and it was blessed by Bishop Manu Bennett. The visitors included a large group from Te Atiawa, Taranaki led by

kaumatua, Sonny Warn, and Ruka Broughton. They stayed overnight to hear the history of the marae and the restored meeting house.

Mei Parokoti-Lewis