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The unveiling of what is probably the largest mural in the Southern Hemisphere took place in the Kimiora dining room at Turangawaewae Marae this week.
It is over 80 feet long and 12 feet high. It is a series of sculptures and paintings depicting the birth and early beginnings of the Tainui tribes, Waikato and Ngāti Maniapoto. The sculptures and paintings were done by the well-known artist Para Matchitt.
One entire wall of Kimiora is taken up by the mural. Selwyn Murupaenga was asked by Tainui elders to compile and narrate the history of
their ancestors as part of the unveiling ceremony. His narration is heard as part of this week's programme.
On the evening of the unveiling the packed hall was plunged into darkness, as the story began lights played on the appropiate areas of the mural until right at the end the mural was in a blaze of light.
The story begins with the creation. After the creation is told the story starts at Kawhia, reflecting the beginnings of Tainui customs, traditions, whakapapa and ancestors, beginning with Tawhao who married Maru te Hiakina. Whilst they were very happy together unfortunately they were childless. Tawhao wanted an heir and in time courted Punui te Kore Maru's twin sister. In Māori terms she became Tawhao's puna rua/second wife, and in time both became pregnant. Maru te Hiakina gave birth to Whatihua and Punui te Kore gave birth to Turongo.
- Whatihua married Ruaputahunga/Taranaki.
- Turongo married Mahinarangi/Ngāti Porou.
An archival recording of Princess Te Puea Hērangi speaking at the opening of Tūrongo house in 1938 is heard.