On 4 October, the descendants of Kiti and George Couch gathered at Rāpaki to celebrate the book launch of Kiti and George Couch of Rāpaki, A Family History, written by Donald Couch.
The book took centre stage in the whare tipuna, positioned in front of the Paipeta poupou.
Alan Perry officiated at the gathering and was pleased to see that the children of Kiti and George Couch were present at the gathering. He also thanked Donald for writing the book for everyone and asked what his next project would be. A special thank you was also given to Catherine Stuart, who assisted Alan in organising the event.
Tā Mark Solomon congratulated Donald and the whānau for producing their story and their whakapapa. He was pleased to see that the whānau had used the Ngāi Tahu Fund.
“It is an example of what the fund was set up for,” says Tā Mark.
After reading the book, he felt that Kiti Couch would be proud of the achievements that had been achieved over the four generations covered.
“Our elders sent us out, encouraging us to learn and to achieve; this family has certainly demonstrated that.”
Terry Ryan talked about his time at Rāpaki and the time he’d spent with the Couch whānau. He also spoke about the contribution that the Couch whānau had made towards building Rehua Marae.
“We should be telling people out there about how Wera Couch led the build on Rehua Marae,” says Terry.
Donald thanked everyone for their contribution and spoke of his journey to publication, of the many stories he had heard and some that did not go to print.
He also thanked his brother, Peter Couch and his wife, Dorothy.
Elaine Dell thanked Donald on behalf of the whānau and was pleased that the book was finally here and that the whānau were together to celebrate its completion.
Whānau had a great day and photos were taken. And of course they were interested to read their sections within the book.
Catching up with whānau, the kai and the day was excellent. As a family what more could we want on such a special day.
Yvette Couch-Lewis and Jenifer Lucas.
Donald Couch.
From left, Catherine Stuart, Ripeka Paraone, Elaine Dell, Mariata Laffey, Reihana Parata, Herena Stone and Rewi Couch perform a waiata.
Uncle Terry Ryan gives his kōrero.
