The official party pauses for the powhiri on entering Wellington Town Hall. From left, Mr Fred Katene, the Mayoress, Lady Kitts, Mr Whatumoana Paki, the Mayor, Sir Frank Kitts escorting Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, and on her left the Hon. Matiu Rata, Minister of Maori Affairs. Ngati Poneke Debutante Ball The 700 guests present at the Ikaroa Maori District Debutante Ball held in the Wellington Town Hall on 16 June applauded their approval as each debutante, her white gown entirely covered by a kaitaka, and escorted by her father or brother, slowly made her way to the foot of the stage steps, to be handed the meremere by her sponsor—signifying the handing over of his mana for this one night. As each girl sank low in a curtsey, and her tribal district was called after her name, the smile of acknowledgment from the Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu took away the nervous tension and in its place left a quiet dignity. Speaking to the girls when they returned without their kakahu Maori for the mass curtsey, the Arikinui spoke of the honour she felt in being invited to take part. She said, ‘We have witnessed here tonight an event of beauty and tradition; debutantes presented first in our Maori way, and now standing before us in their lovely gowns—surely a true witness of our two cultures linking together in perfect harmony.’ She wished Ngati Poneke continued success in its efforts to create a turangawaewae for those who came to live and work in the city.