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November 08, 2018
Ratana movement, a significant platform for whānau
Waatea Team
Posted On November 8, 2018
Media Release
FOR RELEASE, 7 November 2018
Ratana movement, a significant platform for whānau
Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu celebrates the centenary of the Ratana Movement as a significant platform for whānau. Over the next few days, it is estimated 25,000 morehu will descend upon Ratana for Te Waru o Noema; the commemoration of the 8th November 1918 when Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana was visited by the Holy Spirit.
“We have to remember that at the time, whānau were grappling with land alienation, the effects of World War One and the devastating Spanish flu,” said Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu Pouārahi, Helen Leahy. “The Ratana Church led the way for a faith-based movement that has brought whānau together from across the motu, to pray, to play sport, to sing and perform, to learn, to listen, to be together; in essence the expression of Whānau Ora”.
“In Te Waipounamu, many of our whānau hold strong to the teachings, often making the annual pilgrimage to Ratana Pa for the 25ths (25 January is the celebration of TW Ratana’s birthday), said Ms Leahy.
“Whānau recall stories passed down from the South Island tour of 1921 where the prophet and his party traveled firstly to Rapaki, where whānau from, Kaiapoi, Tuahiwi, Koukourarata, Little River and as far south as Dunedin were present. In that same tour, Ratana and his group traveled to Temuka (Te Hapa a Niu Tireni); the Kaik; Onuku Marae, Wairau Pa, and Motueka. To this day, there are strong followers of the faith at all of these communities”.
“Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu acknowledges the focus of the centennial celebrations being about ‘inspiring a new generation’ : Mō Reanga Hou e hiko ai, te whakakotahi nei”. Friday the 9th has been dedicated as specifically focused on all our young people with the Rangatahi Village being the place to be”.
“One of our team will be in Ratana to pay respects to the Mangai and his movement, in honour of the massive impact it has had in the lives of so many of our whānau’. As the followers flow into Te Temepara Tapu, we know there will be many more at home, quietly reflecting on the support, the healing power of faith, the korero, the connections, and the history that keep them forever united through Ratana”.
Kororia Hareruia ki a Ihoa o Ngā Mano, Matua, Tama, Wairua Tapu, me ngā
Anahera Pono, me Te Māngai hei tautoko mai, āianei ake nei !..Ae
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