Politics put aside for church celebration

Celebration replaced politics at Ratana Pa yesterday as thousands of followers turned out to mark the birthday of the founder of the Ratana Church.

And while Maori MPs from a number of political parties were there, it was the commemoration of the birth date of Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana that dominated activities.

January 25 marks the final day of five days of sporting, cultural and religious activities at the 109-home settlement, 20km south of Wanganui.

Thousands lined the road to the temple, Te Temepara Tapu o Ihoa, at the heart of the settlement, to watch a procession of church leaders and guests head for the annual service, the highlight of the movement's calendar.

More than 200 brass band members, decked out in distinctive blazers, escorted church apostles (ministers) in flowing gowns, supported by awhina, female church assistants in deep purple robes with white head scarves.

Sandy Hohepa has attended the celebrations for the last four years, joining her uncle, who has done so for 28 years.

She hoped one day to be among the thousand who made it into the church for the main service, rather than joining the thousands sitting outside.

"Only the lucky ones get in."

Brass bands took centre stage in the afternoon.

Band members, ranging in age from 5 to 65 years, blended Maori performance, modern dance, and music, seemingly unaffected by the sweltering heat. They drew strong applause.

Kapa haka performances followed, with the cream of the faithful's entertainers battling it out in the finals of the talent quest into the evening.

Ropata Tehina has lived in the small community for most of his 65 years. He can remember celebrations when the 500 strong community would swell to 50,000. Now, he said, numbers averaged between 20,000 and 25,000.

This year attendance was down, in part because the main day of celebration was during the week, and people had work commitments.

While there was a day when the country's politicians attended, the commemoration of T. W. Ratana's birthday was the highlight for members.

Mr Tehina said it was a time of coming together, when members from all over the country and Australia headed back to the church's spiritual home to strengthen their faith.


Ratana speculation rejected

Maori and National Party leaders have downplayed the significance of their joint appearance at Ratana Pa on Tuesday. The National and Maori Parties were received on to the marae together before Prime Minister Helen Clark and her contingent of MPs were greeted. They had been scheduled to come on to the marae separately.

The move prompted speculation and reports that Ratana leaders were punishing the Maori Party for talking with National after the election but organisers said it was simply due to a tight schedule after delays.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia said it was simply polite to accept a request by Ratana organisers to be welcomed with National, adding: "We cannot see why anyone should make so much ado about nothing."

Mrs Turia objected to comments the move showed connections between National and her party and was critical of a comment Labour MP Dover Samuels made. "For a Labour MP to suggest that the Maori Party was escorting Satan on to the marae is an affront to the Ratana Church and to all Christians."

- NZPA