Sing Aotearoa thanks

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 7, Issue 360, 30 October 1990, Page 6

Sing Aotearoa thanks

• To the Mayor of Ruapehu District Mr Garrick Workman, the Kaumatua and nga Tangata of Ngati Rangi, the Principal and staff of Ruapehu College, the Executive and members of Ruapehu South Business Association, Mr Paul Green, Mr Lisle Irwin and Ms Cathy Jones of the Tongariro /Taupo Region of the Department of Conservation, Mr Angus Grimwade and the staff of Turoa Ski Field and the many individual volunteers and workers of the communities of Ohakune, Raetihi and Karioi. Kia Ora tatou katoa. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you for the extraordinary quality of the hospitality and generosity which you gave so warmly to everyone. This touched the energy and enthusiasm of the festival participants enabling them to give of their best throughout the weekend, and resulting in an outstandingly successful event. The overwhelming impression we have brought away from the first Sing Aotearoa Festival is of a community determined to forge a place for itself in the affections of New Zealanders, as a group of people who understand what service means in the very best sense of the word, a service where honesty and integrity lead to true partnerships which rewards both the individual and at the same time benefit all. Our special thanks to Sue Allomes and Raewyn Haworth who have been responsible for a great deal of background coordination and accommodation arrangments, to the Maungarongo marae who so capably attended to our physical and spiritual needs throughout the event and whose close involvement from the outset of planning contributed enormously to the standard and smooth running of the Festival. To the staff of Ruapehu College and Lynne Fetzer and Philip Sutton in particular we are greatly indebted for their support, kindness and hours of willing assistance. We will not forget our association with you all and the special feelings of goodwill that have been established. We look forward to retuming to Ohakune shortly to commemorate this historic event with a tree planting ceremony at the College and also the next occasion when Ohakune hosts another Sing Aotearoa Festival. Kia Mihia te mano tini kua mene ki nga wahi katoa, ratou te tutuanga o te puehu, te whiung o te kupu i nga wa takatu ai ratou. Heoi waiho ake ratou ki a ratou, tatou te urupa 0 ratou, tatou te urupa o ratou ma, nga waihotanga mai e hapai nei 1 o ratou wawata, tu-

manako hoki. Kia Ora tatou.

Graham

Hoffman.

Greg Tata and members of the Sing Aotearoa Council.