Recorded at the opening of Tamatekapua Meeting House held at Te Papaiouru Marae, Ōhinemutu, March 24, 1943.
As well as the opening ceremonies, Sir Apirana Ngata (who was Master of Ceremonies for the event) specifically asked the National Broadcasting Service to record traditional waiata, haka and other items from iwi who were present, including Te Arawa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Whānau-a Apanui and Ngāti Porou.
He later recorded his own commentaries about some of the traditional items, and these were edited into the Ohinemutu recordings.
The recording begins with a speechin English by Major Henry Te Reiwhati 'Ray' Vercoe (Ngāti Pikiao). (He was a decorated veteran of the South African War and World War I. The beginning of his speech was not recorded.)
He is followed by Rt. Rev. Bishop F.A. Bennett (Ngāti Whakaue)
Both speeches are formal addresses to the Governor-General and King George VI.
Governor General Sir Cyril Newall then speaks and thanks the people of Rotorua and New Zealand for their warm welcome to he and his wife. He acknowledges the members of the 28 Māori Battalion, and informs those present that he had inspected the Battalion in England before it left for Egypt, and in the far north prior to leaving from New Zealand.
He thanks the Māori people and says he will convey to His Majesty King George and his family the kind wishes and gratitude from the people of New Zealand. (His speech is translated throughout into Māori by Kingi Tahiwi.)
This is followed by an announcement in Māori by Takurua Tamarau (Ngāi Tūhoe) of Ruatoki. A commentary by Sir Apirana then preceeds a series of performances recorded by the Ngāi Tūhoe party at the Ohinemutu hui.
Each item is preceeded by a commentary by Sir Apirana and announcement by Takurua Tamarau.
Waiata tangi: "Taku pū mataī.." - lament by Mātere for Rīaka who was killed at Te Kakau.
Waiata tangi: "Whakawairangi ai ōku nei mahara..." - lament by Tutāhuna for Tāmati.
Waiata tangi: "Te rongo o te tuna e hai mai ra..." - lament by Paraone Pikihuia for Te Maitaranui.
Waiata tangi: "Ka pai te tāne ki te noho tahi mai e..." - lament by Paitini for Te Pukenui.
Waiata tangi: "Ka mea Tāwera e me kawe rawa ki te wai..." - lament by Te Purewa for his brother Tamahore.
Waiata aroha: "Tiketike rawa mai Te Waiwhero e..." - song of yearning by Mihitekapua for her daughter Te Uruti.