A thanksgiving and benediction service commemorating the centenary and restoration of Rangiātea Māori Church at Ōtaki was presided over by the Bishop of Wellington, Right Rev. RH Owen and the Bishop of Aotearoa Bishop Frederick Augustus Bennett. The lesson was read by Sir Apirana Ngata.
After the service, their Excellencies the Governor General Sir Bernard Freyberg and Lady Freyberg are welcomed onto Raukawa Marae. In replying His Excellency thanks the Māori people of Rangiātea for their warm welcome. During his speech, he reminds the people that it is nine years since the Māori Battalion was getting ready for its first assault in Greece. On a more personal note, he remembers some names of the local people such as the Tahiwi and Winiata whānau and Tom Parata, as he played football against them and they had over the years become friends.
His waiata kīnaki (supporting song) is provided by Ngāti Pōneke.
This is followed by cultural competitions from various kapa haka teams from around the country.
The service begins with Canon Paora Temuera welcoming the Governor-General, followed by a prayer by churchwarden Rikihana Carkeek.
Bishop Frederick Bennett then leads the service, with Bishop Owen also.
Sir Apirana Ngata gives the reading.
Several hymns are sung, in te reo Māori and English.
Sir Bernard Freyberg hands over a gift of an altar frontal for the church and speaks briefly.
The sermon is given by Bishop Bennett.
[For the second part of this series of recordings see ID 46581. For more details, consult the Catalogue of Radio NZ Recordings of Māori Events, 1938 - 1950, Page 147].