All invited to National Park's 'Celebration'

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 15, 8 September 1987, Page 2

All invited to National Park's 'Celebration'

A "Celebration" to commemorate the Centennial of the establishment of National Parks in New Zealand is to be held at Whakapapa on Wednesday 23 September. Attending the celebration will be New Zealand's Governor General His Excellency Sir Paul Reeves, the Prime Minister the Rt Hon David Lange, the Paramount Chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa Sir Hepi Te Heuheu, the chairman of the National Park Centennial Commission Sir Patrick O'Dea and the Leader of the Opposition and King Country MP the Hon Jim Bolger. The programme of events is as follows: 8.30am Unveiling of

plaque to commemorate the centennial at the Whakapapa Visitor Centre. 10.00am Commemorative Ceremony. Welcome by Sir Hepi Te Heuheu and Ngati Tuwharetoa. Response to mihi by His Excellency The Governor General. To be held in front of the Chateau on the bowling green which has been designated a marae for this occasion. 10.30am (approx) Official Addresses: Sir Patrick O'Dea, the chairman of the National Park Centennial Commission will introduce the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Schools Celebration performance by National Park Primary School, Tongariro High School, Ruapehu

College, Taumarunui Col-' lege, Tauhara College and Taupo-nui-a-tia College. These events are to be held outdoors and will not be cancelled. Hot drinks will be provided and informal activities are plarmed in the afternoon. This is a public celebration and as many local people as possible who would like to attend are welcome. The Bulletin will have more news about this unique event for readers next week but in the meantime we suggest you make a note of the date in your diary ... Wednesday 23 September. After all, Tongariro National park was the first of New Zealand's great National Park concepts to be established.