October 17, 2012
Hui brings Maori Indians together
The organiser of the first gathering of Maori Indians is planning a repeat next year.
More than 80 delegates from whanau with both Maori and Indian whakapapa attended the hui at Waiariki Institute of Technology's Tangatarua Marae in Rotorua.
Coordinator Dr Guna Magesan says that was fitting as the carver of the house, Lyonel Grant, has dual Maori and Indian heritage.
The hui included sessions and workshops on Hindu culture, and all the kai was vegetarian.
Dr Magesan says next year's festival will run alongside the Rotorua Deepawali Festival, and people of non-Maori descent will be on the Deepawali organising committee.