November 21, 2012
Hoani Waititi marae prepare investiture celebration for Dame June Mariu
Hoani Waititi Marae is gearing up for tomorrow's investiture of Dame June Mariu.
Whānau member Rawiri Waititi says a large contingent from her iwi Te Whānau a Apanui arrives at the West Auckland marae today.
It's the first time the eastern Bay of Plenty iwi has been there in force since the opening of the marae named for Dame June's brother.
“The opening was in 1980. This is the very first time as an iwi to come back to Hoani Waititi, so it’s a special occasion for both the marae and the iwi to rekindle the relationship, to reaffirm that relationship and to talk about the next stages for the Hoani Waititi Marae itself, so it’s going to be a special week for us”
Rawiri Waititi says at dawn on Friday Hoani Waititi Marae is unveiling a pouwhenua next to the place has set aside for a whare wānanga.
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