Haere-Mai Family

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31117, 21 July 1966, Page 2

Haere-Mai Family

An American family from San Jose. California, who recently visited New Zealand had a doser look at its way of life—the people and the country—than most tourists.

During their stay In Taupo, Mr and Mrs Charles K. Hecker, David, aged one, and Andrew, 11, were chosen by the district’s branch of the Travel and Holidays Association as a "haere-mai” family. Haere-mai, Maori for welcome, is the slogan being used this year for a special

tourism promotion. Hospital-; ity was extended to the family throughout their three-week tour through the North and South Islands. While in Wellington Mr Hecker and David celebrated their birthdays. The Wellington branch of the association ; threw a party for them and gave them two volumes of “New Zealand in Colour.” The picture shows Mr R. E. Parsons, chairman of the branch, presenting the birthday cake. Education plays a large part in the Heckers’ life for

they are both teachers with a particular interest in adult education. Mr Hecker has a full-time position teaching business education at Campbell High School and he also lectures lat West Valley College. The couple teach part-time at San Jose Adult Centre and Mrs Hecker also assists at the Santa Clara Welfare Department When Mr Hecker returns home he plans to write articles covering his visit for a Californian publication, "Sunset Magazine.”