Polynesia in Waiouru

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 314, 21 November 1989, Page 7

Polynesia in Waiouru

by

Theo

Marama

The Waiouru Community Centre was the venue for songs and dance of Polynesia recently. Performances by several cultural groups set the scene.

The idea for the weekend came from organiser Mere Brian, who wanted to see a Polynesian club formed in Waiouru. After farming a working committee, they decided to show the Waiouru Community what a small cultural group could do. It was proposed to entertain the community with a concert, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the 200 people who attended the show. Among them were Colonel Phil Maguire, Commander of ATG, Command RSM WOl Eru Brown and Mrs Brown who were invited

guest to the concert. The concert started with a traditional Maori challenge by a member of the Officer Cadet School to Colonel Maguire. After the formal side of the Maori welcome, Host Rex Tuiono welcomed everyone present. The first item of the polynesian weekend was a solo huia (dance) by Ruapehu College student Anna Brien. This was followed by the Waiouru Primary School Maori cultural group who performed two action songs. Bringing the culture of Papua New Guinea were the Papuan Officer

Cadets and Instructor currently attending Officer Cadet School, who entertained the audience with a mixture of love songs and dance, while children of Nuiean heritage performed the huia in traditional fashion. The Waiouru 'Mamas' thrilled the crowd with a Tahitian action love song and Julie Mahero Guthrie took centre stage with a beautiful Samoan solo dance. Following after a Rarotongan huia performed by a student from Waiouru Primary Senior

class. The tempo soon sped up with the Waiouru 'Mamas' appearing again this time huia dancing to the fast beat of the island drums. Next the Tokelauan group performed with two girls dancing while a small vocal group sang in the background. One of the highlights of the afternoon's concert was an item by the Ruapehu College girls. After a colourful huia, the girls moved out amongst the audience Turnpage 10

Waiouru Polynesia

From page 7 and selected men seated in the crowd, brought them back onto the stage. (The idea was for these men to do the huia with their partner). Colonel Maguire was among those chosen and pleased the audience with his flair for huia dancing. Jn fact everyone got behind the men

and made them more relaxed when it was their turn to dance. From laughter and applause the hall quietened down when members of the Officer Cadet School sang a medley of Maori songs which ended with the haka. Anna Brien took to the stage again and finished the afternoon with another solo huia. Colonel Maguire was

later called to the stage to say a few words and in short priased the organisers of the Polynesian Club in their efforts by sharing with the Waiouru Community a little of 'Polynesia', and bringing the community together. For more information about the Polynesian Club contact Mere Brien telephone 56961.