It was a perfect day on 9 April, to celebrate the opening of Amiria Puhirere. As our spirits soared to the summits of Tuhiraki and back to Ōteauheke, we remembered our great-granny Amiria Puhirere, daughter of Wiremu Harihona Karaweko and Mere Whariu. Amiria gave us a legacy of efficient leadership, retained today by her whānau, who continue to breathe new life and honour into the landscape that is Ōnuku, Te Pā o Rākaihautū.
The dedication and leadership shown by those who fought hard in the past, reflects the building we have today, enhancing the essence of great change and development. Walking into the building you’re overwhelmed by the building’s magnificence and stature; and it warms my heart as much as standing out on the deck with the sea breeze on your face feeling embraced by the physical and spiritual elements of our natural world. Moving into a new chapter, it is all about connection.
To complement the finishing touches on the building, Uncle Bruce Rhodes kept a stern eye on the building process, making himself known to the new community of Ōnuku. He was not alone in welcoming the new builders and contractors who soon got to know the locals of Ōnuku and had the pleasure of spending time in the area – lucky them. In addition, the new kitchen has been a grand improvement and we have improved together to ensure it’s been ‘ business as usual’ – no small feat.
The day of the celebration, whānau of Ōnuku put their best foot forward and had a day they fully enjoyed, testimony in the beautiful photos that captured the energy and spirit of the day. From the unveiling of Amiria Puhirere headstone, the welcoming onto the whenua, the beautiful kai, sound of waiata into the moving speeches, our mauri gave shape to the day. Just as important were the tamariki and mokopuna.
There is nothing more inspiring and exhilarating than to bear witness to pā kids, who know they belong to the marae. Our tamariki moved from one kapa haka performance to the next, before moving on to serve manuhiri in the dining room. From wake up to clean up, they were fierce and we see our future is strong.
This journey has not been without its challenges and hard work. There are so many people to thank for their support throughout the development. To create a future that is sustainable, starts and ends with the hearts of our people. It was wonderful to see the many beautiful vibrant faces – many who had shaken off the dust and put on a tie to come and to share in such a joyous moment in history – a moment that brought tears of admiration and completion to the eye of our Ōnuku Rūnaka chair, Riki Tainui, or was that dust? Whatever it was WE, the whānau, understand it was worth its ‘wait’ in gold. Nā Mel Tainui.
Our tamariki who worked hard and had fun all day.
Some of Ōnuku Rūnaka kaumātua. George Tainui, George Waitai Tikao, Bruce Rhodes and Theo Bunker.
Dedicated Pae for the celebration of the new building.
Kitchen kaimahi.