Rautahi: the vision that became reality

Tu Tangata, Issue 24, 1 June 1985, Page 16

Rautahi: the vision that became reality

A strong wind was blowing across the marae stirring the flags of 20 nations, as the proudest flag of all, the host flag, reached out from the flagstaff on Rautahi to welcome the Minister of Maori Affairs and Lands, the Hon. Koro Wetere and the official party to an occasion which has been described as “Unique in Maoridom.”

After 27 years of planning and desperately hard work, March 9, 1985 saw the opening of the newly carved meeting house, Te Aotahi, on the Rautahi Marae at Kawerau a house dedicated to both European and Pacific Islands peoples.

With the Minister to celebrate the occasion were the former Member of Parliament for East Cape, the Rt. Hon. Duncan Maclntyre and Mrs Maclntyre; the present member, Mrs Anne Fraser; Mr and Mrs Monita Delamere and Sir Norman Perry of Opotiki; chairman of the Waiariki District Maori Council, Mr Maanu Paul and management representatives from the Tasman Pulp and Paper Co. Ltd.

In extending a welcome to the visitors, the Mayor of Kawerau, Mr Ron Hardie, emphasised the fact that he felt privileged to be seated with the elders, an indication that Rautahi was a multicultural marae, and indicative of the many races represented in Kawerau,

“an integrated town, and an example to our country and to the world,” he said.

The Mayor paid tribute to the Tasman directors who had been of great assistance to projects on the marae and in the town over the years.

“Mr Monita Delamere was a prime mover in the project and a hard worker since its inception,” Mr Hardie told the gathering.

“You have heard speakers here today paint a vivid picture of planning, determination, sacrifice and pride and community efforts which have gone into transforming what was a bare paddock 27 years ago, into a marae without peer in the world.

“A meeting house that is unique, where the outstanding carving inside depicts the mixed, cosmopolitan races of our town,” said Mr Hardie.

Also with the welcoming party was Mr Max Bish, industrial relations manager with Tasman.

A Heart and Soul

“With the opening of this meeting house, the marae now has a heart and a soul,” said Mr Bish.

“Kawerau is a unique society. When the mill started up in the 19505, all you saw around you were paddocks and scrub, but people came from many corners of the earth bringing with them different cultures, customs and traditions, determined to carve out a new community.

“By their own efforts they built most of the facilities. They used our labour, begged, borrowed or stole materials to build Kawerau into what it is today. But there was something missing in all this, a common ground where all men could stand equal the community needed a heart.

Vision

“It was the dream of people like Monita Delamere and others here today, who not only had the vision, but the determination to put it into reality. “It was a long hard struggle, taking much time and energy, but it is because of those people that we can stand proud, as the marae and the community this day has a heart.”

Mr Gary Mace, managing director of Tasman said his company was proud to have been associated with the project, which he described as “inspiring”. “For the first time there has been a bringing together of tribes, cultures and races. That’s not only innovative, it’s courageous,” said Mr Mace. “As time went on, the task became more demanding, and required tenacity and dedication. “I would like to think these attributes would rub off on the wider Kawerau community, and into the Tasman mill,” he added.

But it was Mr Graham Ogilvie, Director of Operations at Tasman, who had a special message for the Maori people present. “I represent a company of tradition and achievement. “Pioneers of Tasman introduced what was a new industry to New Zealand, and with it came new technology, and an introduction to the markets of the world. But, most importantly, they built a whole new town. “People came from other countries and helped to make the concept a reality. “We have to pick up that pioneering effort, and we of the current generation must look to that spiritual and cultural achievement. “Many of the projects of Tasman and

Rautahi have been achieved in partnership between the mill, the forest, and jobs, for the completion of this marae. “But we have things yet to be done. Management “We have found the traditional way of management not to be efficient if it ever was. “The democratic way of person against person is now gone, or should be.

“We now recognise the key is cooperation and mutual support groups rather than individual pride. “These are the characteristics of the traditional Maori culture. We pakehas must adapt them, and we need you, the Maori people to show us.

Need Leaders “We need Maori leaders if the Maori people are to stand tall as partners rather than as servants. “You as a people will know you have two obvious weaknesses in education and confidence. “Education is fundamental, and there must be a greater emphasis on maoritanga. “Kohanga Reo is a good start, but parents must be encouraged to take a greater part in their children’s development.

“You do have a natural pride and confidence which is evident by the Maori renaissance. “But so many young people have a needlessly poor opinion of their work. “How many see themselves as employers rather than employees? I believe it is the result of inattention rather than lack of ability. “I look forward to the next phase of our partnership working together in the mill and on the marae,” said Mr Ogilvie. Opotiki News