Pekamu family reunites

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 43, 8 April 1986, Page 3

Pekamu family reunites

For the first time in 26 years, 1 20 members of the Pekamu family met together at the Tirorangi Marae, Karioi, over Easter weekend. All those at the reunion were descendants of the late Te-Whango and Taiwiri Pekamu. The couple's headstones were unveiled during the reunion. The headstone of their grandaughter, Agnes Karina McLeod, was also unveiled. One of the highlights of the reunion was meeting the 1 8 children and grandchildren of Mrs Shirley Weismer,

who came from Christchurch for the weekend. Mrs Weismer left . Ohakune when she was seven and has returned only once before the reunion, 26 years ago. She is one of the daughters of Te-Whango and Taiwiri Pekamu. Of the nine children of Mr and Mrs Pekamu, seven came to the reunion. Some descendants came from as far as Australia, others from Ngaruawahia, Hunterville, Taihape, Marton and Wanganui. Kaumatua at the marae for the weekend was Maori elder Rangi Wilson senior, from Karioi. He was des-

cribed as the 'guiding hand' throughout the weekend. All the family ate, slept and reunited at the marae, and descendant Lyn Richards from Ohakune said all had a great time. It was agreed to hold another reunion at Christmas, 1987 at Tirorangi Marae and it is hoped all the family will attend.