Te Waipounamu Marae Film Tour

By Marie O’Connell (Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision Audio Conservator)

 

On Tuesday I attended a Te Waipounamu Marae Film Tour – Ōtautahi ki Awarua showing held at Rehua Marae on Springfield Road in Christchurch. It was well attended by about 120 people.

 

 

The footage shown was more than I expected and revealed eeling and whitebaiting techniques from the past, whilst showing the abundance of this food. I was fascinated by the methods used with preserving the muttonbirds and how expertly they were wrapped up in woven baskets for three years.

 

 

I could feel the strong emotions from the people around me with the footage of Rāpaki Marae and the opening of the very marae we were now seated in 50 years on, Rehua. It was lovely to hear, “there’s Aunty” or “look, cousin …” and I too admit to having watering eyes at a couple of points.

 

 

Prince Tui Teka was hilarious and brought the house down!

Lawrence Wharerau (Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision Kairangahau: Cataloguer) gave the audience a commentary throughout. His karakia was beautiful and most appreciated by the elders. Thanks also to Jane Paul (Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision Community Programme Co-ordinator), Ngāi Tahu, and our partners at Heritage New Zealand for coordinating this wonderful event.

 

 

Read more about the  Te Waipounamu Marae Film Tour here, or watch a 3 News preview of the programme here.