Good old Northern Hospitality

Mana (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 15, 23 February 1978, Page 4

Good old Northern Hospitality

Two buses and a minibus provided the transport for children from the Mangere Childrens’ Hospital and the Sheltered Workshops, on a thirteen day trip to the far north.

The trip was organized by Fred Ellis and Helen Mercep with all the transport being provided free by the City Council. Feeling that the needs of the children in the Ponsonby area were adequately catered for by the Freemans Bay Centre they asked the Mangere Childrens’ Hospital and the Sheltered Work Shops if they had any children who would like a holiday up north.

They left on January 16 from the Ponsonby Community Centre and finally arrived at their destination, Ahipara at 7 p.m. that night. At the Te Ohaki Marae they were greeted with a hot meal after the formalities of the powhiri and the karanga. During their stay they visited a sheep farm, watching sheep dog demonstrations and were pro-

vided lunch by the farmers, Mr and Mrs Mackenzie. They went fishing at Maunganui, swimming at Cable Bay and at Herekino Harbour, seafood gathering, blackberry gathering and a day trip to Manukau to the farm of Noble Rudolph. A meal was provided by Iris Murray, Mrs Garthport and Mrs Effie Williams on’the farm. A trip up to Cape Reinga was also undertaken proving to be a great success. They then returned to the Marae, Waimirirangi for a mea with the majority of the part} going off for a swim afterwards. At Manukau, Emily Williams did the karanga then the group assembled at the Manukau Hall after the welcome, where a church service and communion was conducted by the AnglicanMinister Dennis Urqart followed by a a beautiful meal. Bully and Mercia Smith put on a hakari for the workers which

was deeply appreciated. The trip proved a great success and the heartfelt thanks of those who participated from Auckland is extended to the peoples of Te Rarawa. It was felt by the organizers that the Rarawa M, kaumatua Eparaima Te Paa’s kindness and generosity was a lesson to all. Indeed the whole trip was well organized and executed from both sides. Of the group 15 were psychiatric outpatients who lived under the care of Fred Ellis. Most were Maori who had been rejected by their own families. Asks Fred Ellis, “is aroha the next facet of Maoritanga to die?” This trip seems a renewal of faith in humanity. Thanks to Sister Gillian Blinco and also to Heather and Neil from Mangere Hospital. Thank you again to everyone who participated in the trip . . .