Ngati Poneke Appeal

Second Stage Launched “I believe the appeal for funds for the Ngati Poneke National Marae deserves the help and support of the whole community,” said his Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Denis Blundell, in launching the second stage of the building fund appeal. In its 40 years of existence, Sir Denis said, Ngati Poneke had achieved three things: it had contributed enormously to Maori arts and culture giving great enjoyment to thousands of people — its performance at Waitangi earlier in the year being unforgettable; it had provided a central marae where all people were welcome; and it had done much in community service over a wide field. Any one of these, he said, would make it worthwhile to help in the appeal. Sir Denis was speaking at a special luncheon at the Ngati Poneke Hall on 4 September during which new sketch plans for the marae complex were unveiled. The complex is to replace the present hall which is due for demolition. The plans provide for a general purposes hall, kitchen, changing rooms and offices, a caretaker's flat and a traditional Maori meeting house. Space is provided for a hangi and for the traditional marae, or courtyard, in front of the meeting house. The general purposes hall will be used for the general activities of the club and will also be available for lettign to other organisations. The meeting house will be used for traditional ceremonial and tapu occasions including tangihanga. The complex is designed to be erected in stages, the general purposes hall first and the meeting house to follow. It is hoped to have the whole complex started about the middle of 1974. The basic concept of the design is of a Maori pa or village. The site is in the general area of Pipitea Pa which was inhabited by Maoris when the first European settlers arrived in Wellington. The complex is intended to restore this pa for Wellington, thus providing a unique link with its early history. During the luncheon the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Norman Kirk, who was paying his first visit to Ngati Poneke Hall, said that the spirit of Maoritanga had remained as a strong vital force in the community. He described it as a link with past generations, an anchor for contemporary Maori society and a spirit capable of bringing great benefits to other New Zealanders. “Today,” he said, “there is a shared interest in Maoritanga. The new marae will enable the work of Ngati Poneke to continue, providing an opportunity for the young Maori to preserve his identity and for the Pakeha to understand his needs and aspirations.” The Leader of the Opposition the Rt Hon. J. Marshall, said that the preservation of Maori culture and the upholding of Maori tradition had his full support. “It is good to see this increasing interest particularly among the Maori people and in the community as a whole,” he said. Other distinguished guests at the luncheon included the Mayor of Wellington, Sir Francis Kitts, and Lady Kitts, Bishop Norman and Mrs Norman, Rev. Fr P. Conaghan, the Minister of Tourism, Mrs W. Tirikatene-Sullivan, Mr J. G. O'Brien, M.P., Mr K. Comber, M.P., Mr K. Wetere, M.P., Mr J. M. McEwen, Mr W. T. Ngata, Mr H. K. Ngata, Mr M. Te Hau, Mr W. Parker, Mr H. E. Duff-Daysh and Mr B. L. Lyons.