What a privilege it was to be involved in this year’s French Fest, which if media coverage is an indication, it was a huge success. It has been described as the best French Fest ever and the weather played a big part.
All who supported the kaupapa and got involved made a difference in the community.
Ōnuku value our relationships and connections with our hapori (community). Thank you to Pip and Mel Tainui, who worked hard to strengthen our mātauranga values within the community and identified our connection to the area. Thank you also to Nigel Robinson for his work in producing the hāngī, and to our tamariki for their performance which encouraged an audience to the hāngī stall.
The Friday night Fête des Lumiêres Street Party brought a spectacular hologram light show of the Comte de Paris Ship, which was a major contribution from Pip Tainui. People were amazed at how the ship was able to move, and along with other festivities on the night, it was a crowd-pleaser.
The opportunity for mana whenua involvement in the reenactment of the French and German landing added real emotion and contributed to a joining of cultures. Seeing our descendants welcome our French descendants to our land was emotional for all involved.
Henare Robinson opened the event. He approached the opening with honor and upheld the mana (influence) of his hapū, hapori and iwi. Henare spoke alongside Christchurch City councilors and the French Ambassador. Thank you to Henare for his dedication and leadership to the kaupapa.
In an effort to bring new ideas and a Māori cultural influence to the community, the whānau day on Sunday included the Māori traditional game of Kī-o-Rahi. The game was taught to festival-goers and they also heard kōrero around history of the game. Our kids had a fantastic day and played from start to end.
Finally, working with the committee and producing such an event was a highlight and the memories will be for life. Nā Clayton Tikao.
Mana whenua representing their ancestors at the pōwhiri.
Mana whenua walking along the beach to greet the French descendants.
Meri Robinson (representing her great-grandmother Puai) delivering the karanga and alongside her is Marama Poharama-King who represented her great-grandmother for whom she is named, Mere Whariu and Puai’s daughter.
Aunty Polly Rhodes.