“A truly multi-cultural effort”

Mana (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 6, 15 September 1977, Page 12

“A truly multi-cultural effort”

by

Al Hunkin

A lot has been said about the multicultural nature of New Zealand society, with just about nothing much else done to follow up this well meaning phrase. Apart from the good effort made by the Maoris in inviting Pakehas and people of other ethnic groups to hangis and or staying in a Pa over a weekend, nothing much else happens. However, it could be said that there are a lot of individuals in our society who are truly concerned about the coming together of all peoples and doing something positive about bringing them together. One such person is Mr Perry Ossie of Titirangi. On Sunday, August 21, Perry (a Maori) organised a Mass (a Catholic Church form of worship) in which three different languages were used. The Henderson Maori branch of the Catholic Church, the Henderson Samoan branch of the Catholic church and the Pakeha congregation of Glen Eden were invited to sing hymns and to pray together. The purpose was to set up a new branch of the Maori congregation in Glen Eden.

Three sermons were given by the Reverend Fathers’ Collins, Mertens and Darragh. Father Collins gave his in English, Father Mertens in Maori and Father Darragh gave his in Samoan. The hymns were also in English, Samoan and Maori. It was a tremendous feeling being part of this beautiful service. One of the things which contributed to the great success

it turned out to be, was the spontaneous response to the hymns that were sung and that one could recognise. The English hymns were sung well, because most people in the church could recognise them and thus join in. They complimented and enhanced the Samoan hymns and the Maori hymns which were sung with beautiful harmonisation. After the service a lovely hangi was put on, followed by an informal get together held outside in the bright warm sunshine. Maori songs were sung, Samoan songs were also sung and then the finishing speeches were

given. Also during the informal discussions, future plans were discussed for similar functions. It is believed that this is the first function of this nature to be organised by a church in Auckland. One can certainly look forward to more of this kind of get together. It can only lead to the creation of goodwill beftveen the different ethnic groups in New Zealand. This is one of the ways in which a truly multicultural society should be manifested. Fa'afetai and thank you to Mr Ossie and the Maori congregation for the tremendous work they put in.