Rangiatea Maori Church Restoration Begins

Chronicle (Levin), 21 June 1948, Page 2

Rangiatea Maori Church Restoration Begins

Kakaho, kiekie and pingao fori repair and restoration of the , native pattern and repair work in t the Rangiatea Maori Church, i Otaki, are now being gathered andj prepared in . anticipation of the j work to be done by Sir Apirana i Ngata for the church's coming centenary. The Raukawa ladies' works com- 1 mittee is at present busy splitting into uniform sizes these native shrubs collecte'd from the bush, the swamps and along the sand dunes. The centre of this activity is the Raukawa meeting house, Otaki, where the Maori women have turned their natural bent and knowledge to this age-old craft. Shortly the work of -demolishing the present damaged fabric wil'i begin. ;This is the first stage of the restoration,; which will be well uncter way by September. Various sub-committees have been formed under the direction of the Rangiatea Restoration anu Centennial Committee, each one taking charge of a 'department in this great enterprise and anniversary, which concerns both Maori and Pakeha throughout New Zealand. Early 1950 is the year set down, although the exact date is to be decide-d later. From the acual restoration work right to the catering and accommodation of visitors, committees are fuliy occupied in their respective departments making preparations. It is anticipated that some thousan'ds of visitors will be present from all parts of New Zealand. The committee intends to hold sports and entertainments, Maori hakas, poi dances, action songs and competitions. Teams are expected w enter these dances and competiions from all parts of Maoridom. The judge will be Sir Apirana Ngata, who will also direet the Centennial Hui. Inia Tewiata, now under tuition for singing at the Trinity College of Music, London, has intimated his likelihood of being present and also his. willingness to contribute items during the celebratons. All donations for the Rangiatea Restoration Fund are to be handed to the Rey. Paora Temuera, "Rangiatea," Otaki.