Ngaruawahia Kindergarten Maori Mothers' Club

Te Ao Hou, March 1967, Page 50

Ngaruawahia Kindergarten Maori Mothers' Club At a committee meeting of the Ngaruawahia Free Kindergarten Mothers' Club last year, the conversation went this way:— ‘What kind of entertainment shall we have for our birthday night?’ ‘Perhaps some of us Maori mothers could entertain.’ From this small beginning, and an initial meeting of six mothers, the group snowballed, until now there are 15 performers (one a pakeha), a guitarist, a manager and director. Since July 1966, the group has raised over £200 for their kindergarten, by performing at birthdays, Church and public socials etc. There is no set fee. Instead, those entertained give a donation to the kindergarten. The group practises for two hours each week and training has been given by Revd Napi Waaka, and the Club's director, Mrs Mata Clark. Most of the women take to the practices their families of three or four children, and already many have learned as much as their parents. Members have made their own costumes, and are now learning to weave their own tanikos. These Ngaruawahia mothers hope that their experience will inspire others to support their local educational activities and at the same time help to keep alive Maori songs and dances. Ngaruawahia Kindergarten Mothers' Club. Back row: Henry Taha (manager and guitarist) V. Taha, N. Gray, B. Cooper, R. Morunga, L. Muru. Middle row: M. Muru (leader), H. Kingi, M. Edwards, V. Muller. Front row: L. Morunga, L. Hui Rama, R. Tahapehi, M. Nepia