January 26, 2018
Serious purpose in name gift
Tamaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare says Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is well aware of the significance of the gift of a name for her baby.
The suggestion by a Ratana spokesperson that the expected baby’s middle name be Te Waru o Noema, reflecting the centenary of the prophet Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana’s vision on November 8, 1918, was the cause of much humour at this week’s Ratana hui.
Mr Henare says there are sure to be more suggestions, but the gift had a serious purpose for Maori.
"Everyone debates what baby's name should be and you name them after this tupuna on this side or that tupuna or both. She can expect more of this. The more we go out which is what she is wanting to do be out and about amongst the people, I said she can expect, for some people they rub the tummy. For our people, we give things like names and taonga," he says.
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