SECOND POTIKI-ROPU

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 745, 19 August 1929, Page 14

SECOND POTIKI-ROPU

AKARANA ASSOCIATION'S TOTARA MOUNT EDEN CEREMONY Potiki-ropu, “child of Te Akarana Maori Association,” occupies a place again on Mount Eden. It is the totara tree which replaces the one destroyed when Mount Eden reservoir burst. The first tree’s claim to distinction was because it perished according to the prediction of a native woman, Kohupaki. She declared that the planting infringed the ancient tapu of the Waiohua people. Mrs. James Rukutai, wife of the chairman of the association, planted the second Potiki-ropu and christened it. She also planted the original totara. Mr. E. H. Potter, Mayor of Mount Eden, and Mr. George Graham, of the association, were among the watchers. Mr. Graham thanked the Mount Eden Borough Council for permission to plant the tree. History surrounding Maungawhau— Mount Eden—was referred to by Mr. Potter, who said he hoped to see the Maori pa suggested for the mountain established. “Kohupaki's spell was broken when the reservoir burst,” said Mr. Potter. Mr. Graham interpreted an address by Mr. Rukutai. “Grow up tree,” said Mr. Rukutai. “We leave thee as a memento for the future. Let Europeans and Maoris grow as a race side by side, so we can call one another older and younger brothers.” An incantation was held over the totara, which is near the puriri planted a year ago by Princess Te Puea Herangi.

One good sign was that Kohupaki did not attend to cast another spell on the association’s tree.