WAIOHAU

Te Ao Hou, July 1956, Page 43

WAIOHAU by REO TAKIWA Members of patuheuheu sub-tribe of Tuhoe, numbering two hundred, live and work in harmony with our few pakeha friends here in this valley of Waiohau. Whakapono is the real work of life, and Waiohau has four churches. Its members help and attend each others services and functions. Led by chief Iki Powhare, widely known as an expressive speaker, the Ringatu Faith heads the list. Te Teira Wi, 1914–1918 soldier, holder of many important positions both past and present, in church and tribal matters, college educated, has in his hands the reins of the Maori Presbyterian Church. Waerengahiko College has one of its ex-pupils, Parau Nuku, as the leading light of the Roman Catholics. Wiremu Tete Allison, college educated, one of the sons-in-law of that great chief Wiremu Papanui Mekore, has as layman the care and leadership of the Church of England. Also of the same faith, Mohiti Taipeti, educated 1939–45 soldier, takes ANZAC services and leads the Waiohau Maori R.S.A. movements. The churches in helping one another, form a small council of churches, not official, but in its way holding fast to our tupuna's teachings, “Kia u, kia kotahi, kia mau ki tou whakapono.” Tama Kihikurangi Wharenui stands proudly guarding our marae, whilst his gaze passes sadly over his two friends—Wakapango the carved flag-pole, and Tupapakurau the concrete shelter—who are the shadows of our fallen boys. Arts and crafts are still taught to us by the few who are well versed in such things. In this group we have a young man Te Po Rangitauira who with his natural gift of the art of “whakairo,” helped by Hare Anderson of Ruatoki, did the carvings in Turakina Maori Girls' College Chapel. Education was first started in Waiohau by mission workers of the Presbyterian Church, who laid the foundation and lived to see their wonderful work bear fruit. Today, we the people of this community give our heartfelt thanks to them who carved the way and to our present master and his wife (Mr and Mrs Munn), with their helper, Miss Read, who have in their short period here, taught our children well. Thanks also to our pakeha friends, school committee members, mill employer and employees, for help given in many ways. Night is here, we wait the dawn. We wonder what lies ahead, but we thank God that we are alive and free today.