WAIRARAPA MOAN A
ISSUE EIGHT: TUAWARU DECEMBER 2007
Lindauer Portrait On Permanent Loan To Aratoi The portrait of one of the great Wairarapa rangatira, Ngatuere Tawhirimatea Tawhao, was given to Aratoi on a long-term loan by the chi e f ’s gre a t -g re a t -g ra n dson , Tutahanga Ngatuere recently. The Gottfried Lindauer portrait has been extensively restored and reframed and is now on display in the new long-term history exhibition, Wairarapa Whakaputa Mohio – Settling The Land, running at Aratoi in Masterton. Tutahanga Ngatuere told the gallery director that he clearly saw the benefits of having the portrait kept at Aratoi for the enjoyment and education of the whole population.
IN THIS ISSUE: Highlights From Incorporation AGM p2 Wairarapa Moana Trust AGM Feedback p3 Wairarapa Waiata Tawhito CD Launch p3 Kahungunu Iwi Representatives p4 Confirmed Promotion Is High Priority For Iwi p5 Feedback – Globetrotting Titi p5 Nga Pekapeka O Waiohine p6 Weaving Her Way To Success p6 Wairarapa Moana Descendant Wins Adult Learning Award p8 Shareholder/Beneficiary p8 Search Wairarapa Moana Farms Update p9 Wairarapa Moana Merchandise For Sale p9 The Maori Hi Five p10 Showband In Australia Shareholders – Bank/ IRD Details p12 50 Unclaimed Dividends p12
The Great Orator: A Wairarapa tradition tells that Ngatuere went to meet an approaching hostile war party in the mid-1860s. He met them fifteen kilometers north of Masterton and so great were their numbers, his mouth dropped open in surprise. The place came to have the name Mikimikitanga-o-te-mata-o-NgatuereTawhirimatea-Tawhao, which means ‘surprise on the face of Ngatuere’. It was later shortened to Mikimiki but a road sign bearing the full name, one of the longest in New Zealand, was erected in 1975.
Photo of Tutahanga Ngatuere courtesy of the Wairarapa News. Photo of stone cairn courtesy of the Wairarapa Archive.
There is a stone cairn at the roadside rest area just north of Mikimiki that marks the spot where Ngatuere convinced the hostile war party to return from whence they came. Source: Wairarapa News 1 August 2007
D ec em b e r 2 0 0 7
Promotion Is High Priority For Iwi Kahungunu ki Wairarapa has just launched a promotional campaign to support the establishment of the new iwi organisation.
Feedback ... GLOBETROTTING TITI Thanks very much for sending us copies of your Wairarapa Moana Mailer. It’s a superb magazine and we are chuffed that you decided to feature the globetrotting story. I will pass copies of it to the Rakiura Titi Islands Administering Body so that the kaitiaki can see where their amazing bird has popped up now. It occurs to me that some of your tangata whenua may be interested in Te Tiaki Mahinga Kai, a new project that is forming to unite the tangata kaitiaki managing mataitai and taiapure. Would you mind having a look at our website and deciding who in your community might be interested?
Kahungunu ki Wairarapa board member, Peter Rewi, left, with our own Nik Carlson, NZ Idol star, about to do voice-overs for the iwi radio campaign. Peter Rewi, board member, says the iwi has developed a series of promotional messages for radio using the voices of young Kahungunu ki Wairarapa people. “We are specifically reaching out to younger iwi members but the key thing is just letting all our people know that we are up and running. We are about to circulate our five year strategic plan, we are moving into new iwi offices and we are getting on with the business of representing our people in Wairarapa.” Peter says the iwi has also commissioned a new logo, secured the rights to the time and tide advertisements on the local Wairarapa radio stations and will now have a fortnightly column in the Wairarapa News. Peter says “We want to make sure our iwi voice is heard through all of the local Wairarapa media.”
I see you have wonderful scholarships for your people to study – maybe some of them could become involved in the project – we are super keen to host and help train locals in mahinga kai management. If any person makes contact with your office and is happy for you to pass on their contact details I would be pleased to write them an official letter of invitation to become involved. If your kaitiaki have any questions, please ask them to make contact with me by phone. Henrik Moller A s s oc i a t e P r o f e s s o r , Z o o l o gy Co-Director – Centre for Study of Agriculture, Food & Environment – Ka Rakahau o te Ao Turoa Tel: 03 4799244 Email: henrik.moller@otago.ac.nz
WHOOPS!
In the last edition of the Mailer it was reported that Janice Wenn had graduated with her PhD from Victoria University, Wellington. Our sincere apologies to Janice, Jack Morris and John Thoms. They are all graduates of Massey University in Wellington.
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WAIRARAPA MOANA
mailer Photo courtesy of J McIntosh, DOC
Nga Pekapeka O Waiohine They were thought to be extinct but it was in the late 1990s that a colony of around 300 short-tailed bats was rediscovered in the Waiohine Valley of the Tararua Forest Park. The colony is the only known population of short-tailed bats in the southern North Island and has been identified as an ancient species genetically distinct from other short-tailed bats, which therefore makes these bats unique to the Wairarapa. The surviving population is under siege from predators and in an ambitious attempt to further protect the species; pregnant females were re-located to Pukaha Mount Bruce where they gave birth to their young. After weaning off their pups, the females were returned to Waiohine Valley and the pups were taken to Kapiti Island Nature Reserve where it was hoped a new short-tailed bat colony would become established.
The twelve young bats settled in well on Kapiti but they contracted a mysterious ear infection that affected their echolocate sonar ability, which meant that their chances of survival in the wild were perilously low. The young bats needed surgery and extensive tests carried out by Massey University Veterinary School failed to identify the cause of the infection. These rare native Waiohine bats were struggling for survival and unsure whether the infection is contagious or not, the twelve young bats were on the 3rd of October 2007 translocated to Auckland Zoo. On arrival, they came under the immediate quarantine care and protection of the NZ Fauna Conservation Centre and the NZ Centre for Conservation Medicine. Unfortunately, one young pekapeka did not survive the journey.
Weaving Her Way To Success Wairarapa Moana descendant, Holly Jackson, has achieved a long-held ambition of learning the art of Maori weaving. Holly is enrolled in the Diploma in Maori Art and Design at The Open Polytechnic and has just completed her second year of study.
Through her school years Holly enjoyed sewing, art on fabric and the sciences, all subjects that fit with what Holly is studying today.
Holly grew up in a family where her parents philosophy was “don’t buy it, make it”. Her father is a builder and Holly and her brothers and sister were able to make things using their father’s tools and materials. The family grew orchids and had market gardens in the 1980s developing an appreciation and understanding of plants. “We all worked together to grow vegetables and flowers to sell.”
The diploma course is based at the Hetet Studios in Lower Hutt, tutored by Veranoa Hetet. Classes are held three days a week. The rest of the week is self-directed studies researching for assignments and weaving. Holly also manages a local music store when she is not at school
Holly attended ballet and tap dancing classes. Her mother sewed costumes for pantomimes and taught her to draw, sew, garden and cook. “It is nice to be brought up in a way where we can learn how something is made or grown, rather than going to the supermarket or store to buy it.”
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It was important to learn traditional techniques and tikanga of Maori art. The course has taught Holly how to harvest and process plants for weaving. Other subjects included hieke, kowhaiwhai, piupiu, taaniko and research assignments on wharenui, history of kakahu and an introduction to ethnobotany, a science based on the relationship between people and plants. This looked at topics such as: biological conservation, biodiversity, sustainability and Maori use of native plants.
On the 8th October, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Iwi representatives Haami Te Whaiti (Kohunui Marae) and Henare Manaena (Te Oreore / Hurunui-o-rangi Marae) journeyed to Auckland Zoo with Dept of Conservation Biodiversity Programme Manager, Phil Brady, to gift to Ngati Whatua the surviving rare bats from Waiohine, asking that they take care of our taonga knowing that these bats will never return to the Wairarapa, yet remain hopeful that they will successfully breed to ensure the survival of this genetically unique species. It was a message that Haami and Henare also carried for Rangitane o Wairarapa and one that was warmly welcomed by Ngati Whatua Kaumatua Cyril Talbot, whom delighted in reciting his whakapapa to Takitimu and Kurahaupo, and that’s how Ngati Whatua received them, as taonga belonging to Papatuanuku. Culturally, this is the first time that Kahungunu ki Wairarapa has been involved in something like this. Usually we are asked to bless taonga that have re-surfaced on farms or coastal areas or the reinternment of koiwi but to be involved in saving a native species unique to the Wairarapa from extinction, is a first. The Waiohine short-tailed bats are an endangered species and are preyed on by introduced predators such as rats, cats and stoats and possums that are ravaging through our native forests destroying their natural habitat and food source. Climate change, varying rural land use, deforestation and toxins are also a threat to their fragile existence. Meanwhile in the Wairarapa, DOC is investigating ways of controlling predators around the surviving population in the
Back row standing left to right: Phil Brady, DOC Masterton; Andrew Nelson, Fauna Conservation Team Leader (ex-Pukaha), Henare Manaena, Charles Cadwallader, Curator; Paul O’Shey, Fauna Conservation Staff. Front row standing left to right: Kaumatua Cyril Talbot, Ngati Whatua; Haami Te Whaiti. Kneeling: Fauna Conservation Staff, Dave Robbins and Chantelle Miller.
Tararua Forest Park, which is a project that Kahungunu ki Wairarapa is keen to be a part of. When the Waiohine bats come out of quarantine, the zoo is planning to include them in the night forest area of its New Zealand-focused development, Te Wao Nui, which is scheduled to open to visitors in early 2010. The off-spring from the Waiohine short-tailed bats will be released into the Waitakere Ranges where it is hoped a thriving colony of this unique species will establish themselves.
Holly could not weave when she applied for the course but thought her creative background would help. “Weaving is physical work, from harvesting, preparing, dyeing and then weaving.” Holly has become more confident by immersing herself in such a learning environment and weaving most weeks for the past two years. The effort has been worthwhile. Holly sells some of her work at “Maori Treasures” a gallery owned by the Hetet whanau, based in a suburban street on tribal land at Waiwhetu in Lower Hutt.
Holly affiliates to Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Rangitane and Ngati Tuwharetoa. Her Marae is Hurunuiorangi and Holly is a descendant of the Ngatuere whanau.
Holly plans next year to work part time and continue to weave at home. She is also keen to learn Wairarapa iwi weaving patterns. “Learning Maori art and our history is not just for myself, it is about preserving our art by practicing and passing our knowledge down to the next generation.” Future studying will include more environmental and Maori papers. If anyone can assist with harakeke or weaving patterns, please email hollyjackson@clear.net.nz
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WAIRARAPA MOANA
mailer
Kahurangi Manaena, daughter of Henare and Charmaine, of Masterton, has recently won an adult learners award, the He Tangata Matauranga Award, from the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand. Kahurangi is one of eight students from around the country to win the award and was present to accept her prize, $250.00 of book vouchers, at an awards ceremony at the Open Polytechnic’s Lower Hutt campus. Recipients of the awards are nominated by their lecturers or coaches and are selected on the basis of meeting several criteria including a passion for learning, the determination to succeed at their studies, and, among other things, the ability to use what they learn to improve their professional or personal life. “It was a real surprise when my Open Polytechnic coach rang to tell me I had won the award,” says Kahurangi, who is of Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa descent. “I haven’t won an award before and it was nice to meet the other recipients at the ceremony and to take my three-year-old son along so that he could experience it as well.” Fitting her studies towards the foundation level National Certificate in Employment Skills around her family commitments, Kahurangi studied at night and made visits to the library a family affair. “I would take my son to the library and we would look for books for both him and me.”
Wairarapa Moana Descendant Wins Adult Learner Award
Kahurangi’s coach, Sarah Vallance, says Kahurangi was an obvious choice for the award. “She is a very motivated student and it was brilliant the way she engaged with all of the resources and made use of every bit of course material that was sent to her. I’ve seen her confidence grow from doing this course. She now has a long-term goal for what she would like to achieve educationally and she’s used this course as the first stepping stone. I think this award has really been the icing on the cake for her.” Kahurangi now has big plans for her future. “The course has made me realise what I can achieve and got me back into the swing of study. I’d now like to focus on learning more in the field of health services with a view to working in the area of medical imaging.”
Shareholder/Beneficiary Search The Incorporation is seeking the addresses of the following shareholders or trustees as mail has been returned to the office. If you are able to provide any relevant information or contact details, please call Ngaere Webb on 06 3702608 or 0800 662 624.
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6379 4471 6208 5945 5712 7188 5575 3875 6894 6722
Edward Tuiti MacDonald Kathleen Mihiata Tapusoa William Manaena Kingi Hinemoa Leca Kerry Gail Rickard Murray Paul Tuhokairangi Te Huki Bowie Nahona Hinetearorangi Whatuira Andrew Tauru Namana Andrew Pahoro Paku
5960 6619 7023 6651 5620 6654 7080 6206 7191
Barry Shortcliffe Monica Flutey Danger Kevin Pearce Ngaio Kingi Maehe Wills Serena Fiona Pamela Walker Barbara Tiria Joan Grant Ranui Ricardo Parahi Shirley Lois Wilson
WAIRARAPA MOANA
mailer
Highlights from Incorporation AGM There was a very encouraging turnout of shareholders and whanau for the pohiri at Mokai Marae on Friday 2nd November. A small number were accommodated at the marae on Friday and Saturday nights and journeyed home after breakfast on Sunday. We extend sincere thanks to Mokai Marae committee and whanau for their support during the weekend. On Saturday, buses left the Mangakino Area School about 7.30am for the farm tour. The tour included an overview of the forestry conversion to pasture which will initially be operated by the sheep and beef/dairy support unit. At the sheep and beef unit, the sheep and beef presentation was given followed by the planting of harakeke and native trees at the Memorial Grove. Dairy farms 9 and 14 were visited and on farm 11 the dairy presentation was given and
inspection of the new cowshed and developments were undertaken. This was followed by a visit to farm 1 to view the irrigation system. Thanks are extended to the farm team who arranged and managed an awesome farm tour. The feedback from shareholders has been very positive. The business segment of the Incorporation’s AGM commenced at the conclusion of the Wairarapa Moana Trust’s AGM. The proposed regular dividend of $500,000 and the special dividend of $250,000 were approved. The distribution was made to shareholders during the first week of December. The re-appointment of Kingi Smiler and Paora Ammunson to the Committee of Management was confirmed. Matters received for General Business included: Tangata whenua rights under Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 and Maori Regulations 1994; Hunting and firewood permits; buying and selling Incorporation shares. This year, the AGM preparations and support at Mangakino Area School was provided by Lesley Pederson, Chairperson for Pouakani Marae Committee, and her team including members of the Super 12 kapa haka. Your support during the AGM was much appreciated, thank you. As you are aware, there is a huge amount of organisation that goes into providing for the delivery of annual general meetings and associated activities. It is disappointing that many shareholders do not give consideration to this. As an example, the attendance sheet that is requested to be completed and returned to the office by a certain date is critical so we ensure that sufficient seating, catering and overnight accommodation has been arranged. This year, at least one third (61 shareholders and whanau) of those registering their attendance did so after the closing date of 17th October. This puts unnecessary pressure on and there needs to be a more concerted and timely response for next year’s AGM. The 2008 Annual General Meetings will be held in Greytown on 1st November. Planting of harakeke at Memorial Grove, sheep and beef unit.
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WAIRARAPA MOANA TRUST
AGM Feedback The 2007 Wairarapa Moana Trust annual general meeting opened with the launch of the trust’s first Moanatanga project, the production of a CD of 20 Wairarapa waiata moteatea and karakia together with accompanying booklet containing the words and explanations. The launch is described opposite. The main business of the meeting centred on the separation of the trust’s commercial and cultural activities with a consequent proposal to reduce the number of trustees. From the beginning of 2008 the management roles and provision of services by the trust will be undertaken by Wairarapa Moana Incorporation. Wairarapa Moana Trust will focus on the social, cultural, well-being activities for the benefit of shareholders and whanau. The trust will continue to distribute educational scholarships and marae development grants. Other activities will include promotion of farm cadetships, Moanatanga cultural projects and initiatives designed to improve and strengthen awareness, interest, knowledge and participation of whanau in their Wairarapa heritage. Nelson Rangi is stepping down from the chairmanship of the trust. The trustees for the coming year are Anne Carter, Nelson Rangi, Paora Ammunson, Sonya Rimene and Tame Matiaha.
we are moving ...
Wairarapa Waiata Tawhito CD Launch The first major Wairarapa Moana investment in the revival of our cultural icons was launched at this year’s annual general meeting in Mangakino. Shareholders who attended the meeting were presented with a complimentary copy of the CD. Outgoing Wairarapa Moana Trust chairman, Nelson Rangi, says the CD of customary Wairarapa waiata is a vital cultural resource for all Wairarapa tangata whenua. The collection of customary waiata, karakia and tauparapara from the Wairarapa hapu and iwi is the result of collaboration with Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Rangitane o Wairarapa. Some funding has been provided by the Wairarapa Trust Lands Trust. Copies of the CD will also eventually be made available from Whaiora Whanui Trust nurses to mothers with new-born babies. “We do not have enough kaumatua who know these important waiata who can ensure they are sung to our babies, now we can give the CD resource to parents to play to their babies, in the same way our tipuna used to waiata to them,” says Rangi. Rangi also sends a challenge to all Wairarapa Moana whanau. “When you go to marae after marae and all you hear is ‘Ehara i te mea’, you know we need a huge cultural wake up”. Rangi says these waiata tawhito need to be learned by all of us “They contain the unique stories and words of our ancestors from Wairarapa, they tell our whakapapa and philosophies. You know when you go to a marae and hear waiata tawhito actually from the region that the whanau there are culturally strong, these taonga are a sign of our mana as a people”. Rangi says he has set himself a personal challenge to begin learning as many of the waiata as he can.
OFFICE RELOCATION: The Wairarapa Moana Office will relocate to: Wairarapa Moana House 4 Park Avenue Masterton
Copies of the CD are available for $10 from the Wairarapa Moana offices in Park Avenue, Masterton.
FROM: Monday 26 November, 2007
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WAIRARAPA MOANA
mailer
Kahungunu Iwi Representatives Confirmed Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa chairman Paora Ammunson announced recently that the iwi authority has now confirmed its newest representatives. Ammunson says that these people have been selected by the iwi board through a publicly advertised process. “To the best of my knowledge we are the first iwi organisation in the country to take this kind of public advertisement process as a way of determining who should represent us on various key organisations. I have had people from outside Wairarapa, including other iwi leaders, congratulate us on taking such an open approach to selecting our representatives.”
L to R. Dale Walker (Citizens Advice Bureau representative) Janice Wenn (Te Iwi Kainga representative), Helen Morris-McTainsh (PHO representative), Kohunui Marae representative Lynne Whata and Chairman Paora Ammunson.
Ammunson says the calibre of applicants for the positions was extremely high. He says the iwi board has been able to select a team that has a good balance of experience and new talent. Board member, Peter Rewi, says the representatives have agreed to be advocates for the iwi to the following organisations: • Masterton District Council Maori Working Group – Rawiri Smith • Wairarapa Secondary Schools Liaison – Craig Workman • South Wairarapa District Council Maori Standing Committee – Alex Webster
• Wellington Regional Council: Aratahi Committee – Haami Te Whaiti/Hineihaea Murphy • Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Education Project/Board – Craig Workman • Wairarapa Community PHO – Helen Morris-McTainsh • Iwi Kainga DHB Iwi Relationship Committee – Janice Wenn, Kim Smith, Janice Hemi-Williams • CYFS Care and Protection Panel – Haami Te Whaiti • Liaison with Carterton District Council – Henare Manaena • Wairarapa Kaumatua Council – Nelson Rangi/Frances ReiriSmith • UCOL Wairarapa Regional Council – Kevin Haunui • Rimutaka Prison Board – Sonya Rimene • Wairarapa Regional Chamber of Commerce – Paul Southey • East Masterton Early Childhood Centre Project – Rochelle Retter • Wairarapa Maori Wardens Committee – Sonya Rimene
L to R. Education representative Craig Workman, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Chairman Paora Ammunson, Motuwairaka Marae representative Sue Taylor, taken at orientation session for newly appointed iwi representatives.
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Rewi says the key roles of the iwi authority are to represent, advocate, communicate and promote the interests of the iwi. He says getting good people into these organisations is a major part of the new iwi strategic plan.
Wairarapa Moana Farms Update The 2007/08 season is progressing well with milk production from the dairy farms, 3-4% ahead of the season target which is positive. The dairy season got off to a good start however due to October being much cooler than previous years pasture growth rates were below budget which has meant less pasture silage has been able to be harvested.
On a recent visit to the university with him I was particularly impressed with what was on offer for young students and their willingness to work alongside a progressive and growing business like Wairarapa Moana Farms.
All the feed has gone to the cows which is the primary aim given the forecasted milk payout is $6.40 per kg of milk solids.
The other major project under way is the forestry development at Ford Road whereby up to 650 hectares is being converted into pasture.
All five of the owner operator dairy farms are going extremely well and with the recent opening of the new rotary cowshed on farm 11 the management of this farm is now a smooth operation.
As this block becomes established it will become part of the existing sheep and beef operation whereby providing grazing support primarily for the dairy business.
As many shareholders at the AGM would have seen the development projects for 2008 are well under way with the commencement of the building of two new cowsheds together with several additional houses. There is at present very high demand on all contractors associated with developing farms and we are fortunate to be at the top of the list. Our cadet on-farm training programme with Teina will be drawing to a close at the end of December as he has plans to attend Massey University next year.
Very good progress has been made with this block and already a large area has been sown down in new grass. On farm, all managers and sharemilkers are planning ahead for the summer months and with less pasture silage available at this stage the revision of all feed budgets and grazing opportunities at the sheep and beef farm are being worked through. The management team wishes all shareholders and their families a very happy Christmas and prosperous new year. J Hall General Manager, Dairy Operation
WAIRARAPA MOANA MERCHANDISE FOR SALE The Wairarapa Moana office has the following merchandise for sale: • Caps • Wairarapa Moteatea Booklet and CD • Teeshirts • Sleeveless Vests Orders are to be placed at the office. Prices will depend upon size. Post and packaging will be added to each order. For inquiries and orders please contact Cheryl on 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624
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WAIRARAPA MOANA
mailer
The Maori Hi Five Showband In Australia (This is the second of a series of articles by Rob Te Miha on life in an international showband)
In December 1959, the Maori Hi Five showband went to Auckland, where we put on a farewell performance at Carlaw Park (among the supporting acts was the Howard Morrison Quartet – a famed exponent of the farewell performance in years to come) and on January 19th, 1960, we flew to Sydney, Australia. We had no support body or sponsor so it was a ‘doit-yourself’ exercise. Here, I might add that virtually all the Maori showbands and entertainers who left NZ, from the ‘Brown Bombers’ onwards, did so under their own steam with no assistance from anyone. This must be recorded, in view of the fact that much is made of musicians and entertainers now who sign recording contracts, TV contracts, etc before venturing beyond these shores There were sometimes no work contracts for a lot of the groups in those days. We went confident in our ability to get work and with no thought of failure or turning back! The band personnel were: Kawana Pohe (Wanganui) sax, clarinet, piano, arranging; Waihuka Te Tai (Rawhiti) lead guitar, bass, vocals; Rob Hemi (Wairarapa) rhythm guitar, bass, vocals; Solomon Pohatu (Muriwai) vocalist, bass, piano, sax, guitar; Wes Epae (Manaia) vocals, bass; Harata Tawhai (Auckland) vocals; Tuki Witika (Kerepehi) drums. Our arrival in Australia can be viewed in the accompanying photo. We performed a haka on the tarmac and walked through customs in our piupiu, a dodge designed to circumvent the difficulty of declaring a ‘grass skirt’ – it worked. The Air Hostess
l-r: Paddy Te Tai, Tuki Witika, Rob Hemi, Wes Epae, Kawana Pohe and Solomon Pohatu
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on the plane, Gay Allan of Dargaville, handled our hand luggage and clothes. Our old friend Johnny Devlin was there to meet us, along with Cole Joye, a famous Australian pop singer of the time. Sydney was stinking hot and we soon settled into the routine of drinking lots of liquid (any colour!) Australia was a revelation. They appreciated, catered for and rewarded talent. Their venues made NZ equivalents look like garages. Here, it is fair to state that Australia provided, for Maori showbands, a proving ground from which to launch their shows into the top entertainment centres of the world and to ‘hack it’ with the best. Some of the best included ‘Duke’ Ellington, Louis Armstrong, ‘Count’ Basie (’Just call me Bill’), The Beatles, Louis Prima, Mel Torme, Harry James, Eartha Kitt, Johnny Ray and Billy Eckstine. One of the first tours we were given on reaching Sydney was around the red light district of Woolloomooloo. I have never forgotten it, the whole scene looked shifty and sordid. At another time, we called into a hotel down near the Cockatoo Docks at the bottom of McLeay Street in the early hours of the morning. While we were drinking, a guy came up and asked if we wanted a ticket in the raffle. We asked how much and he said, “A quid!” Then we asked what the first prize was. He looked over the bar at the barmaid and said, “Her!” We took to our heels. Our first job was at Andre's nightclub in Castlereagh Street; dinner, drinks, dancing girl revue, with compere Joe Martin. TV work followed on various shows such as The Brian Henderson Show (a New Zealander), The Johnny O’Keefe show and the CocaCola show. Some funny things would happen at these TV shows. Once a camera came close by me; it had a card mounted on the lens barrel which read “When in doubt, PANIC”. The mainly young audiences were exhorted by a guy running around between the cameras waving large placards entitled ‘SHOUT, SCREAM, LOUD APPLAUSE, LAUGH’ etc.
Then there was the occasion when the house band drummer fell back off his rostrum seconds before his drum solo; instead of a solo there was dead silence and a yell for help! On some shows we worked alongside three skinny boys who called themselves “The Bee Gees”. We did a show at the Sydney Town Hall for the then Mayor Jenkins. Nephi Shortland was present – a member of the Allen Brothers group and later in one of the Maori showbands. Another whom we ran into frequently was one of the greatest Maori entertainers, Kahu Pineaha. Also performing at the “Latin Quarter” nightclub was one of the world’s top jazz guitarists, Mark Kahi. On weekends we would sometimes link up with another New Zealander, Derrin Hinch. Sydney was followed by a long residency at the ‘Skyline Lounge’ of Chevron Hotel in Surfers Paradise. Surfers was then a small town where ‘high rise’ was three storeys max. As far as I know, we were the first Maori to live in Surfers. Here, we struck racial prejudice when attempting to join the Queensland Musicians’ Union. The matter was sorted out and we became members, finding out that the constitution was slanted to keep Aborigines out. (I digress here to relate an incident that shows how much impact the showbands achieved in Australia. My younger brother Spencer passed away in Manly, 2005 and upon our arrival at his home, I saw a picture of him with a message on the tree on the street outside. A car pulled up and a woman got out. As she neared me, she looked at me then exclaimed, “You're Spencer's brother!” Then, “You're Robbie!” I asked her how she knew me to which she replied, “You were in the Hi Five! I used to go and watch your band in Surfers Paradise!”) As a group, we held karakia regularly and on Sundays it was followed by a trip to the beer garden where if you had travelled more than 50 miles, you could register your name, address etc and get a drink. Everyone knew each other in Surfers, so there were many ‘ghost addresses’ each Sunday. The Surfers Paradise beergarden boasted a bandstand next to which was the 'Ladies.' Now and then the bandleader would stop the music and wait for the hapless victim to emerge. He would then ask her if she could hear the band to which the inevitable reply was 'No.' His retort was, 'Well, we could hear you!’. This heartless bit of 'fun' took an unexpected turn one afternoon when an outraged husband leapt on to the stand and felled the leader with a well-placed blow to the head! Regarding beergardens, they were relatively laid back venues; people walked in off the beach in togs. One day a guy walked through the beergarden, beer in hand, wearing only a grin, to loud applause. All fun aside, Australia for us was a time of hard work preparing for the future. TV, beergardens, nightclubs, extra
Robert Matthew Hemi Te Miha Kua hinga te totara Robert Matthew Hemi Te Miha te mokopuna o Rakaiwhakairi me Ngati Hinewaka. Takoto mai i to moengaroa. He mihi aroha tenei kia koe wehea atu, kua maringi nga roimata, kua heke te hupe, kua puta nga mihi, poroporoake mou. No reira e Rob moe mai i roto i nga manaakitanga o nga tipuna no Te Wairarapa. No reira, haere atu ra, haere ki o tatou kaihanga, haere ki te ao wairua, haere, haere, haere.
shows, constant practice and rehearsal prepared us for what was to follow in the UK, the Continent and Scandinavia This association of the Maori showbands with Australia is at present being recognised in a planned documentary spearheaded by Nephi Shortland entitled “Kia Ora, Mate!” Around 1964 there were about fifteen Maori groups, along with whanau in Sydney. Sydney was full of Maori entertainers. Why so many? An answer might be found in this quote by Leslie Lipson, a US academic – “It is acknowledged by all judicious observers that New Zealand is notoriously ungenerous to talent!” The evidence is clear in what is referred to here as the ‘Brain Drain’ – in all professions! At some stage in the saga, the “Maori Hi Quinns” arrived in Surfers, resulting in ‘a Maori on every corner’ and some memorable times. We often put a hangi down, usually at their place “Brier Rose” as our place had no backyard. It was in Australia that our show format was created, tested and perfected over the months and proved watertight over the following years. Note that we weren’t the first Maori entertainers to travel to Australia. We were preceded by “The NZ Quartet” (aka ‘The Brown Bombers’), Mark Kahi, Kahu Pineaha, Tui Teka, Lenny Hutchinson and Barry Ericksen among others. Our contribution was to create a show format that others followed in some way or other, as well as the band names – the Maori Premiers, The Maori Volcanics, for example. Once we left Australia, we rarely came into contact with the later groups. We're still catching up with them. I recently contacted Kelly Haeata whom I last saw in 1957 in Mangakino. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS – OFFICE CLOSURE This office will close at 12:00 noon 21st December, 2007 and will re-open 9:00am Thursday 10th January, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND AN ENJOYABLE FESTIVE SEASON.
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WAIRARAPA MOANA
Shareholder Bank Account Details Payment of dividends to shareholders resident in New Zealand is now made by way of Direct Credit to shareholders bank accounts only. Cheques are no longer sent out to shareholders resident in New Zealand. This is the current policy of the Incorporation. Shareholders residing overseas will continue to be paid by cheque. If, however, the shareholder living overseas holds a bank account in New Zealand you may elect to have your dividend paid into this account. The office does not accept bank account numbers over the phone. This is because bank account details are required to be verified by the bank. Please be reminded that if you are required to provide new bank account details because you have changed your banking facility or your account has been closed, please call the office to request a bank account form. Please contact Ngaere Webb on 06 3702608 or 0800 662 624 with any inquiries.
New Zealand IRD Number If we hold your IRD number you will pay 19.5% in dividend tax. If we do not hold your IRD number your dividend will be taxed at the rate of 39%. Shareholders – you will only receive the lower rate of taxation if you have provided the Incorporation with your N e w Z e a l a n d I n l a n d R e v en u e Department number.
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50 Unclaimed Dividends The following is a random selection of Unclaimed Dividends that are held in the office. If you are able to provide any information that may enable the office to make contact with these shareholders or their descendants please contact Ngaere Webb on 06 3702608 or 0800 662 624. WARIHI REWI WINNIEATA TAYLOR HONE NGATA TE AO HEMI TAKA RIKI TAKA RIKI ESTATE NGATAHI WINNIE MANIHERA RICHARD GEORGE MANIHERA TAHU EDWIN TANERAU PATRICIA RONGOMAITARA HAYWARD RENA TINSLEY PETER MATENGA MIHI TE MIHA LINDA WAIMARIE COWAN HIKURANGI WAENGA NGARANGI HAWEA TAI MANIHERA MARAMA PENE RANGI PENE HAZEL MEIHANA EMMA THOMPSON KUINI MATTHEWS DAISY MARGARET PARKER JOY LYDIA BETTY PATERSON WIREMU TE WHAITI
SIMON PETER CHAPMAN JOHN MASON RUTH JACQUELINE HERA HARRIS TE RINA TE WAIROA HUTANA NGAIRE BUTLER NANCY MANIHERA HADDY MATTHEWS HUPRINI KARAITIANA ANARU RONGOTUA NAMANA RAIMA MOSS TE MOKO KINGI STEPHEN MAIRE AHIPENE TOM PERA NAMANA MATEKINO TUHOE TAREWA HEMI ALLAN HORACE CHAPMAN MANINI PARAONE WILLIAM MASON RANGITEKAHUTIA SONNY OTENE MARTINI OTENE MEIHANA MASON OTENE MEIHANA REKO TE KANI TIMI TE AROHA HARAWIRA MARJORIE ELIZABETH GREEN EILEEN SMITH
We are always interested in talking to you about news for the Mailer. Please let us know if you would like to contribute an article or panui or if you would like us to interview someone for future editions. Closing Dates for Articles for the Mailer Closing Dates Friday, February 22, 2008 Friday, May 9, 2008
Distribution Dates Saturday, March 22, 2008 Saturday, June 7, 2008
Please call Ngaere Webb on 06 3702608 or 0800 662 624 with any inquiries.
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