KEY POINTS:
Hone Tuwhare turned 84 last month but "like all good Maoris" delayed the celebration until the food and drinks were on the house.
"I'm not paying for any of this, you know. Unbelievable. Count me in," the renowned poet joked at his Kaka Point home, hours before the big occasion.
More than 150 people from all walks of life, but all with a love and affection for Tuwhare, gathered at the Kaka Point Hall to celebrate a life well lived.
Tuwhare was born in Kaikohe in the Far North 1922 but has had a long association with Otago.
He was Burns Fellow at Otago University in 1969 and 1974 and then took up permanent residence in a seaside bach at Kaka Point, south of Balclutha.
His birthday party on Friday featured music from the Big Belly Band that performed in Return Home - a film on Tuwhare's life produced last year.
The film's producers and some of the crew were among those at the party.
The evening also featured poetry readings from acclaimed poet and writer Glen Colquhoun, a Tuwhare fan, as well as from Tuwhare himself.
Before the party, the man regarded as one of New Zealand's living treasures, was the perfect host at his bach.
"Come on brother. You'll have a drink with this old fella, won't you?"
He takes a seat outside his home and, almost in astonishment, reflects on the fact that he has reached 84 years of age.
"You know, I don't feel that old, and we Maoris don't really celebrate our birthdays anyway. But I hear there's a party on, so I better turn up."
Weeks of planning went into the party. Organisers Norman and Glennis Woods of Kaka Point, who also keep a close eye on their dear friend, said all the effort was worth it.
The guest of honour shared their sentiment, though you get the feeling he was a tad embarrassed yet flattered by all the attention.
"You know what, mate? I reckon they could have another of these parties for me next year if they like."
- OTAGO DAILY TIMES
