Swedish botanist remembered in Maori ceremony

Press, 2 July 1983, Page 13

Swedish botanist remembered in Maori ceremony

NZPA special correspondent Stockholm In an emotional scene at Pitea, northern Sweden, a Maori karanga greeted the Minister of Tourism, Mr Talbot, at celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversay of the birth of Daniel Solander, the Swedish botanist who sailed with Captain Cook on his first voyage to New Zealand. Draped in a 200-year-old Ngati Kahungunu korowai (cloak), Erena Rangimarie Rere Omaki, a descendent of Chief Kahungunu, performed the solemn karanga. In spite of drizzling rain the long-drawn-out cry of welcome held umbrellashrouded onlookers transfixed. As the emotive call faded, Mr Talbot moved forward to receive a hongi greeting. Mr Talbot and his party then stood silently as members of the New ZealandSweden Society sang two waiata. Accompanying Mr Talbot were members of the Swedish Government, New Zealand officials, and local Pitea representatives.

The New Zealand scientist, Sir Charles Fleming, and Lady Fleming were included in the welcome to Mr Talbot. Sir Charles has been invited to participate in an international symposium organised to coincide with the Solander celebrations. Later Mr Talbot, speaking at the official opening of the Solander Memorial Symposium said, “I an honoured by this opportunity to strengthen the bonds of communication, friendship, trade, and tourism between our two nations. “We recognise the contribution that Daniel Solander has made to the world. His

work has ensured that Sweden has taken a leading role in European awareness of the South Pacific. “Sweden is a natural haven in the north just as New Zealand is a haven in the south,” said Mr Talbot. “It is our duty and responsibility to protect our environment from the ravages of a materialistic society. “We must retain a balance between preservation of our natural environment and the development of a technological society. “The responsibility is with us to preserve the natural beauty of our respective countries for the genera-

tions that follow us. Let us pledge on this anniversary to take action that will safeguard the future for our children.” Mr Talbot expressed his gratitude to the Solander organising committee for permitting him to be welcomed in a traditional Maori fashion. He gave a brief history of the Kahungunu korowai and indicated that a welcome would be arranged for its return to New Zealand. Mr Talbot presented the people of Pitea with a book, “Captain Cook’s Artists in the South Pacific,” as a memento of the occasion.