The Opening

Oh what a long journey,----- yes whanau, to be there early that morning at four thirty On the 27th of March 2021 was so special.

As we drove in the dark into the marae that morning, I was stunned to see so many people waiting in quiet anticipation. I had recently been told by others that this special ceremony

captures the birth and creation of a new  dawn for our people.

Finally Hone Sadler's voice cuts through the silence. It echoes through our forest that covers the surrounding hills, It directs them to our maunga (Mongero) high above the ridges that overlook  the listening waters of Te Hue Hue.

As a unit we quietly advance toward our thus far nameless buildings.

Seamlessly a new speaker picks up the call to the ancient karakia.

In the dark we are aware of each othe’s warmth and nearness, and as the name Tawakehaunga is called a light flashes, as the cloak is dropped from the name over the door.

The dedication is repeated for Te Waoku our wharekai, so aptly named

Continuing inside our buildings and around the inside walls another speaker recites a new karakia  paying homage to the dignity of our marae proceedings.

Finally Bishop Kitohi completes a wonderful ceremony in prayer.

I hereby acknowledge  Hone Sadler for his dedicated influence for this opening ceremony, together with Te Kura Taiohi, Ihaia Apiata, Aperahama, Heni Jane Whiu, and Bishop Kitohi