Turangawaewae of the Ngati Whatua of Tamaki Makaurau

Mana (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 8, 13 October 1977, Page 3

Turangawaewae of the Ngati Whatua of Tamaki Makaurau

A plea to people who have feeling for the suffering of others, and for the need to share and pass on the good things of life on this Earth.)

The quiet open-ness Of Takaparawha headland Every early morning - Soft contours all around Within the harbour and on the coast, And Rangitoto;

The bright open-ness Of Takaparawha Every full day, Every weather, With people all around On water and on land, Near and far the eye can see; The mellow open-ness Every evening As the scene grows soft again, Soft contours, gentle outlines, Growing softer and darker As night takes over And most of the people Gradually return to their lighted homes - Why should all these Be cut forever From those who still should head This part of the harbour's headland, Those who still want to share This beauty with all, In accord With their tradition And their life? Who’ve tried hard To withstand intrigue, to keep their land To continue to stand proudly upon . . .? Oh please, Don’t let this happen Why should the rich be allowed To grab or to whittle these

From the common whole community; Why should their expensive folly be allowed To eat up the area. To chasten or defde The remaining park; Why should they be allowed To subvert us all With their poisonous wealth? Oh please, Do something to stop them. The quiet open-ness of Takaparawha headland Every early morning. The firm open-ness Every full day The mellow open-ness Every evening - Oh please Do something, To help to have these Safeguarded for all By Ngati Whatua of Tamaki Makaurau In accord with their tradition, which is the condition For them and these To continue living and giving Within our continuing common community. Oh please, Let their trees Come to fruition - And stop the tide of tragedy. By a supporter of the Ngati Whatua of the Arohanui meeting house on Bastion Point.