Well what an awesome weekend that was. Thank you to everyone who came from near and far to help me celebrate my 21st birthday. It was such a delight having all of my whānau and friends from across Te Waipounamu, Te Ika a Māui and beyond with us at Tuahiwi Marae. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my whānau, who stepped in and helped to make my night the best ever.
How fitting it was to have my Tāua Aroha Reriti-Crofts karanga our manuhiri into our whare and to have a mihi from both my Pōua Rakiihia Tau and Pōua Charlie Crofts.
There were bus trips, film crews, meltdowns in the pouring rain when a hāngī was expected (until Uncle Peter Boy managed to get a flame thrower from Campbell’s to heat the irons – on yah Uncle), lots of kai and warm speeches, finishing with singing, great laughs and drinkies to match.
There was an abundance of incredible, distinctly Ngāi Tahu kai and I thank everyone who helped collect, gather and cook it. We really appreciate all of your help. We had the chance to have world renowned chef Peter Gordon (Ngāti Kurī and Ngāti Kahungunu) come and create a fusion of Ngāi Tahu delicacies mixed with his own international flair. Safe to say, i puta a pito! Can’t wait to see it all on TV3 on Fusion Feasts coming later in the year.
With love, Reriti Tau.
Reriti at speech time.
Reriti as a little wee toddler.
Josephine Leota and Amiria Reriti.
Hinewehi Mohi, Josephine Leota, Peter Gordon and Tania Hammond.