The senior citizens hui started at Wairewa three years ago as an initiative from the local Wairewa community. Wairewa Rūnanga was more than happy to tautoko the community and provide the venue and manaakitanga. This year the hui was held on 17 November at Wairewa Marae.
Anyone of any age is welcome to gather, to meet and greet and share memories of the area. The event tends to attract the 60 plus age group and therefore has become known as the senior citizens hui. Most of the attendees have close ties with the area and many of them have grown up nearby and have known each other their whole lives.
Former residents come from far and wide to attend. Participants bring along old photos and diaries and just have a good catch up. Each year numbers have grown and it is estimated that this year there were around 140 people.
It is a great opportunity to grow relationships with the locals. Manuhiri report that they get a lot out of participating in the pōwhiri and being on the marae and it is a great opportunity for us to engage with the local community.
Manuhiri seated for the formal part of the hui.
Manuhiri coming on to the marae.