In both the Judea and the Bulls projects there were few who had done Maori arts and crafts before so that knowledge was spread at the same time as the building was decorated. At Bulls, all the teaching was concentrated in five to six weeks; during this period all the carvings were finished and all but three of the tukutuku panels. The Bulls house, which is due to be opened next year, will be called Parewahawaha. One reason why the work on this project proceeded so fast was the use of modern builders' machinery, made available by Mr Taylor Brown of Bulls. In the photograph above, Mr Toka is showing Ned Laughton of Feilding the use of an electric saw to make the bevelled edge for the horizontal slabs in the tukutuku. building programme is an inspiring and fine example of co-operation between the Maori and the European people of the town and district. During the celebrations Dr Maharaia Winiata paid a tribute to the generosity of the Tauranga people and made a pleasing reference to the never failing help which was given freely by His Worship the Mayor of Tauranga, the trades-people and the citizens of the Borough. It was particularly pleasing to all those who were present to see the complete and fine understanding which was exemplified in the participation of both races during the festivities attending the ceremonial opening of “Tamatea-pokai-whenua” and “Iwipupu”. The Ngati Ranginui are deserving of every encouragement. The resurgence of tribal pride in the cultural aspirations of the race, and the fine achievement of completing community buildings of outstanding excellence on their ancestral marae reflects a moral fibre of remarkable resilience.
Others Will Follow A feature which must give the Ngati Ranginui tribe a great deal of satisfaction was the reaction from several visiting tribal leaders who announced during the celebrations their determination to go ahead with some similar project to the fine buildings of Judea. This is a distinction in the field of cultural art for Ngati Ranginui which comes well as further proof that the work of the late Sir Apirana Ngata in promoting this aspect of Maori culture will still go on. An interesting and valuable feature of the Souvenir Booklet is the inclusion of classical Maori poetry in the form of powhiri (welcome chant), waiata (old time songs), patere (tribal action songs of old), ngeri (war chant), karakia (ritual chants). These compositions enshrine the ancient and proud history of Ngati Ranginui.
Use your Papers Past website account to correct newspaper text.
By creating and using this account you agree to our terms of use.
Your session has expired.