Ask to use material, get more information or tell us about an item
Broadcast from the opening of the Waiwhetū marae meeting house at Lower Hutt, Wellington. The name of the wharenui is called "Arohanui ki te Tangata."
Broadcaster Alf Sanft describes the scene and the building of the wharenui which uses modern construction techniques but with traditional Māori design. [In the background, chanting by two kaumatua can be heard.]
The rangatira kaumatua is Ihaia Porutu Puketapu of Taranaki descent, his
tribal affiliation is Te Ati Awa no runga i te Rangi.
He explains the Kahui Ariki from Tainui opened the meeting house earlier today, with the kawa whare or whakanoa ceremony to lift the tapu from the new meeting house.
Most of the visitors from around New Zealand were welcomed onto the marae yesterday. [Karanga is heard in the background.] Alf Sanft goes into the fundraising and planning that went into the building of the house.
The best carvers in the country from Ngāti Porou were invited to work on the house. Hone Taiapa was commisioned to do the carving and part of the kowhaiwhai. The tukutuku work was done by a step-daughter of the late Sir Apirana Ngata, Roa Wharepouri and the floormats were woven by the women of Ngāi Tūhoe, lead by Ngaroahiahi Waewae [?] These experts trained volunteers in how to also do this work.
The pākēha community of the Hutt Valley have also contributed to help build this wharenui.
Alf Sanft compares the whare to other wharenui he knows around the country.
He continues commentating as the Prime Minister Sir Walter Nash accompanied by Sir Eruera Tirikatene, is welcomed onto the marae.
Karanga
Wero
Powhiri
Right Reverend of Aotearoa Bishop Wiremu Panapa greets the visitors.
Action song: Hoea mai ra nga iwi.
Haka: Ko te aroha e nguru nei.
Waiata: Tenei e hoki matou.
Poi: Poi a ko te rangi