NZMC LEADERSHIP AWARDS—1981

Tu Tangata, Issue 4, 1 February 1982, Page 32

NZMC LEADERSHIP AWARDS —1981

Over the week-end 16 Council annual Leadership Awards function was held at Masterton at Te Ore Ore marae. Between two and three hundred people participated in the festivities and enjoyed a wonderful experience where Maoritanga at its best was demonstrated.

On Friday 16th, the proceedings opened with a Mayoral Reception in the Town Hall when the Mayor Mr J F Cody and the Mayoress, along with Councillors and their spouses tendered all visitors a welcome. Sadly, while this function was taking place, Mrs Peni, mother of the youngest recipient, Kataraina Peni of Taumarunui, died suddenly. While this brought grief to all, it in no way marred the proceedings but indeed brought a depth of spirituality and oneness that united the people. Saturday morning’s programme was cancelled so that a tangi could be held at Te Ore Ore prior to the departure of the family to Taumarunui. So that the purpose of the mission to Masterton would be accomplished, the presentation of the Award to the two Aotea nominees, Alec Gage and Kataraina Peni was made during the service. Kia oti pai ai nga whakahaere, i mua ite aroaro o te whaea the very essence of Maoritanga. Historical tour Despite cold dreary conditions, the planned historical tour of points of interest of the Wairarapa took place. It was transformed into a wonderful jour-

ney of delving into the past, by the wit, knowledge and depth of scholarship of the tour guide Mr Fred Cairns, an archeologist of wide renown. The culmination was a conducted visit to the Papawai pa. The Cabaret and presentation of the Awards this year was modified somewhat because of the absence of the President and Vice President of the New Zealand Maori Council. Mr J M Bennett and Mrs Meri Mataira were deputised to serve in their stead. As each recipient was announced, Meri Mataira read the citation, the award was presented and after being congratulated by the official party of Mr J Bennet, Col. and Mrs Rennie, Mr and Mrs J Hodge, representing the Masterton Borough Council, the recipients moved to the area where they could speak and later be officially photographed. The recipients were: AOTEA DISTRICT COUNCIL: Alec Gage of Turangi. Supervisor N Z Forest Service Trusts member, Rugby Administrator. Kataraina Peni of Taumarunui sporting ability in golf, member of New Zealand team, both Junior and Senior.

AUCKLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL: Raka Hunapo of Mangere. Coachbuilder, Lay Minister, recreation advisor with youth. Betty Hunapo President of Kotiri MWWL. Member of Nga Tapuwae College Board of Governors, Manukau City Councillor. TAKITIMU DISTRICT COUNCIL: Joint Award to Mr and Mrs Alec Ropiha of Waipukurau. Shearing Contractors members of Maori Committees, active fundraisers for Church and Marae purposes voluntary welfare workers. TAITOKERAU DISTRICT COUNCIL: Remeka Waiomio of Onerahi Milk Tanker driver, 16 years Army Careers NCO Training Instructor: Custodian Maori Warden, Welfare and Probation Officer. Harriet Waiomio Machinist Secretary Glen Brae School Committee, Maori Warden, completely supportive of her husband’s activities. TE WAI POUNAMU DISTRICT COUNCIL: Charles Subritzsky of Lyttelton. Builder professional Diver including deep sea Traffic Officer for Harbour Board Maori Guardian for Maori apprentices Sports Coach. Mrs Rima Subritzsky School Teacher, JP, Maori Committee member, Country Institute, MWWL., fund raiser for Marae and educational purposes. WELLINGTON DISTRICT COUNCIL: Te Waari (Ward) Whaitiri of Kilbirnie retired Master Mariner, action in both Pacific and Atlantic, second Maori

Sea Captain committee work, welfare work, Hon. Community Officer, S.P.C.A., Zoological Society.

Laura Taepa of Waiwhetu past employee Education Board member Ngati Poneke Welfare Committee Anglican Maori Pastorate “her works are in her hands and in her heart”.

WAIKATO/MANIAPOTO DISTRICT COUNCIL:NO NOMINEE WAIARIKI DISTRICT COUNCIL:NO NOMINEE TAIRAWHITI DISTRICT COUNCIL:NO NOMINEE Alternative future

Sunday morning’s programme was an innovation in that Professor Whata Winiata, J R McKenzie.Traveiling Lecturer and Mr Hiwi Tauroa, Race Relations Concilliator were invited guest speakers to the assembly. Whata spoke of the need now to be considering what the Maori people should do for the future. His directives summed up briefly are: 1. There are alternative futures that must be considered 2. All people should become involved in identifying and choosing our alternative futures 3. We must persist in analysing these futures through wananga etc., that the best choice becomes the ultimate choice. Hiwi spoke of his work and its ramifications, the choices that could have been made about the Rugby Tour, and reinforced Whata’s point about “persisting” to bring about a desired result. His points summed up were:1. We should identify our samenesses with other people and not emphasise our differences 2. New Zealand is mono cultural but multi racial. Until this is fully realised harmony cannot be achieved 3. Under a democratic system of Government a minority group cannot influence the voting system until it can persuade the majority of the rightness of its needs. A ‘pakeha mission’ to convince and teach the pakeha should be undertaken. A combined Ecumenical Church Service brought to a formal close an inspiring week end. Three things that will remain: 1. Fred Cairns explanation of why Taniwha are still seen occasionally in Wairarapa. 2. Charlie Shortland’s inspired sermon where he told the true story of what JACK & JILL were really up to. 3. Hiwi Tauroa’s demonstration of 300 South African Blacks’ interpretation of Ka Mate, Ka Mate.

No feira, tena tatou katoa.