College reports on celebrations

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 19, 6 October 1987, Page 11

College reports on celebrations

Ruapehu College Maori Culture group numbering sixty students made an impressive sight when they came onto the makeshift stage in front of the Chateau at the Centennial Celebrations recently. As is customary a karanga (calling) to all the people present on the day was given by our leader Maxine George, and another to follow to the mate (the dead), given by Wendy Turanga. The first action song, Ruapehu Te Maunga, told of our people, who we are, and where we are. A poi, pipiwharauroa, about the shining cuckoo and its movement through the forest preceded a rousing haka led by our kaea Mathew Mareikura. The haka, called Aotea was fitting for the day as Sir Paul Reeves our Governor General, present at the celebrations, is also descended from that canoe. The group were very proud and pleased to be part of the day's celebrations and had put a lot of hard work into practice, which was rewarding especially when they appeared

that night on both Te Karere and the National TV news. When they got back to school, Mrs George had ordered lots and lots of food so that the group could have a big hakari in her classroom. It only took 15 minutes to demolish. "We think our group is

really special and we are lucky to have special people like Aunty Vera, Uncle Matt and Mrs George to take time to be with us and help us," said the Third Form Maori students. "We should all make the most of it because I don't think there are any other kids in the country quite as lucky as us."