Marae gathering prays for the volcano

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 608, 17 October 1995, Page 5

Marae gathering prays for the volcano

By

Amiria

Teki

Sunday afternoon saw quite a gathering of people at Maungarongo Marae, to pay homage to Mt Ruapehu. It was a joint community service with members of several denominations participating. People came from Wanganui, Taumarunui, Taihape, Waiouru, Karioi, Ohakune and Raetihi. The service was called by the people of Maungarongo Marae. Kaumatua, Richie Akapita gave a brief welcome to visitors, as did Mathew Mareikura. Mathew's comments acknowledged the mountain and its people. "Today we remember Mt Ruapehu, remembering that it is here shelter and protect us, it is here for us to enjoy and we are here to remember that fact. We the people of Ngati Rangi, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Whanganui are the Kaitiaki or guardians, we should not be afraid and move away and if we come together to acknowledge our mountain, now we will continue to enjoy and benefit all that it has to offer." Following prayers from the many denominations, a number of individuals spoke on the subject of the mountain and the eruptions. Rather than run away they all agreed, in a variety of way s of expressing themselves, that "he was just lifting his hat and wiping his swearing brow." Garrick Workman, Bob Peck, Glady Goldfinch, Merilyn George, Niko Tangaroa, ArchieTaiaroa, Angus Grimwade (Turoa ski fields) all spoke briefly acknowledging the mountain and its Mana and the benefits we as a community have all enjoy ed and should continue to enjoy.