Bell from decommissioned Interislander ferry Arahura presented to iwi

Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae has welcomed the bell to its Arahura Marae north of Hokitika.

The bell from KiwiRail's decommissioned Interislander ferry Arahura has a new home at a West Coast marae.

Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae has welcomed the bell to its Arahura Marae north of Hokitika.

The bell -- which will ring during tangi -- was presented to the iwi yesterday in a ceremony attended by Ngai Tahu kaumatua Sir Tipene O'Regan, founding chairman of Mawhera Incorporation, Ngati Wae Wae and KiwiRail representatives.

Sir Tipene and deputy chairman James Russell were part of the original Mawhera Incorporation group whose efforts resulted in the name being given to the ship in 1983 when it was launched.

Mawhera was also responsible for funding and sourcing a carved panel and a pounamu boulder from the Arahura River, which adorned the ship throughout its working life of 32 years.

They were returned to the Mawhera Incorporation in August shortly after KiwiRail retired the Arahura.

The bell was presented yesterday as a memorial to the ship.

Sir Tipene said having the Arahura bell on the marae would be more than a memorial to a "fine ship which gave great service".

"It will also round off the story of an important initiative in the social history of the Mawhera owners and the relationship of Kati Waewae with the Waikawa Te Ati Awa.

"It will be, every time it is rung, a small memorial to the relationship between our people and your company."

GRS

[NZME-NZG-NZC]

-NZH