The recent Te Arawa kapa haka regionals was once again a spectacular display of our culture, our history, our mahi-a-rehia. The level of expertise, the high standards amongst the competing teams made it such a pleasure to witness.
Most years I don't get to see all the teams, and those I do are usually from the side as I've always been part of the stage crew. This year, however, I got to see all the teams on Saturday from right in front. It was great.
I must pay tribute, of course, to the late Mauriora Kingi, who was honoured in the two-day event. The items that were performed in his memory I am sure he would have been so proud of. Without the support of the pakeke teams on the Friday night, our rohe would not have such a strong presence at Te Matatini, so congratulations to all the supporting teams who took part. I'm told there were some as old as 95 on stage, which is just amazing. Congratulations to the five teams who have been successful in securing a spot at Te Matatini next year: Te Mataarae I o Rehu, Rangiwewehi, Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao, Te Pikikotuku o Rongomai and Te Hikuwai. Well done to you all and well done to the organising committee and all the kaimahi who maintain this event and ensure its delivery at such a high level. Ka nui te mihi kia koutou katoa.
Living museum
I was excited to hear recently about the push in Ngongotaha to establish a living museum in the village. A museum such as this will become a popular drop in point for many people, not only within the village, but also to those across Rotorua who take an interest in our local history. Photos and records of the early village days, local businesses and the workers, the mills, farmers, and of course the families from those times are an important record of our history, and I look forward to watching the progress of this project. Well done Bob Martin, Dick and Val Robinson and others who are part of the team working towards making this a reality.
