On Sunday 20 April “Ka Hao Te Rangatahi” presented an informative and moving presentation on the Kiingitanga. The hui was held at the Hemmant Hall with a gathering of approximately 60 people who unified to give a warm welcome to our invited guests with a very moving powhiri. As the guests entered the Hall they were overcome with emotion from the large group inside who performed the Haka Powhiri with pride. What added to the emotion were the larger than life fabric prints of all the past Kahui Ariki who lined the entire right-hand side of the wall. Later key members of the group commented on how impressive and appropriate it was to have Nga Kingi me Te Kuini present at the hui. These Taonga were later gifted to the roopu to be used in the Kiingitanga Celebration in Ngaruawahia commencing on the 4th May 2008.

Key Presenter Mamae Takerei lead the roopu with a thorough and in-depth history of the Kiingitanga which reaffirmed and rekindled information for some and gave clarity and understanding to others. The information was presented in such depth and detail that it is difficult to even attempt to explain and give justice to the wealth of the information shared.

It was quite clear “Ka Hao Te Rangatahi” are very passionate about their mahi as the roopu followed up each take with a number of relevant waiata. The waiata varied from the old familiar to the new and unheard before. What an impressive set of lungs this roopu displayed on the day. The diversity of their beautiful voices was unmistakeable and the flair in which the shared it was equally talented.

“Ka Hao Te Rangatahi”, bought with them numerous resources from Waiata to DVDs, all of the information compiled or composed by Mamae Takerei & “Ka Hao Te Rangatahi”. These resources are still available to purchase through Te Timatanga Hou o Brisbane no Tainui, but this is for a limited time and while stocks last. A Price List of these items will be posted soon for you to purchase. All funds raised from the sale of these resources go back directly into the “Ka Hao Te Rangatahi’s” putea to assist them in continuing their mahi throughout Aotearoa.

It was also our honour and privilege to share this experience in the presence of Kiingi Tuheitia’s sister’s Princess’ Tomairangi and Kiki and their whanau. Their presence gave relevance and support of the korero presented and gave tangibility to the kaupapa.

Although “Ka Hao Te Rangatahi’s” visit was extremely brief in Australia, their visits to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne were as brief as 24 hours in each centre. The time they were able to share with us was invaluable as was the information they had to share. It is hoped we will continue to see them visit Australia annually.

Lastly we would like to thank each and every individual that was able to take time out of their busy and sometimes hectic lives to attend the hui. It has only reiterated our understanding that there is a need for more of these type of hui and has highlighted a need to give emphasis in our priority of organising more in the future.

It is with great appreciation that most people were happy enough to part with their $5 koha for the hui. Your koha allowed Te Timatanga Hou o Brisbane no Tainui to host our guests with what they considered “awesome” accommodation and resources to make their presentation possible. Brisbane will remain a very fond memory for them all and has enticed them to consider a much longer stay in future. We thank you all for giving them that gift.

To all our ringawera both in front and behind the scenes, to those who were committed from the beginning and to those that rocked up on the day to give a hand. You are all appreciated for without you this would not have been possible.

On behalf of Te Timatanga Hou o Brisbane no Tainui and the people of Brisbane & the Gold Coast we wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Ka Hao Te Rangatahi for presenting us with the gift of matauranga. It has been warmly received and has been a long time coming.

Paimarire