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Download AudioRatana Pā will again throw open its doors as people from all over the motu come to mourn tūmuaki Harerangi Meihana, who died yesterday.
Spokesperson Piriwiritua Rurawhe says Mr Mason was dedicated to his hāhi and his people and a stalwart in the fight for kotahitanga.
He upheld the principles and teachings laid down by his grandfather, Tahupotiki Wiremu Rātana, and upheld the six preceding tūmuaki, which have made the movement and its central meeting place a critical part of the Aotearoa’s spiritual, social and political life.
“There is a kōrero from our founder on the front of the whare here, Orakeinui, and the kupu read ‘Haere mai e ngā iwi ki te rapu i te oranga me te tinana me te wairua’ which translates as all are welcome who seek revitalisation of the body and the spirit. Harerangi was always firm and confident with us that we should open the door to whomever wanted to come here to Rātana,” Mr Rurawhe says.
Te Tai Tonga MP Rino Tirikatene says Mr Meihana devoted his life to the movement as an administrator in various roles, and he was a talented musician and bandleader.
He was also a staunch union member.
“He was many years in the freezing works, union leader, organiser, and very much a staunch Labour Party supporter as well,” Mr Tirikatene says.
The choice of successor will happen after a period of mourning.
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