Hiruharama School perform the song ‘Karangatia ra’ and the haka 'Ruaumoko’ during competitions held at Uepohatu Marae in 1947. 

‘Karangatia ra’ was originally composed by Sir Apirana Ngata for the return of the Pioneer Battalion from World War I.  This version has been adapted slightly for this event.

In another sound recording Sir Apirana Ngata attributes the classic East Coast haka 'Ruaumoko' to the ancestor Taki o te rangi. 

The marae hosted events held on the 12th and 13th of September that included cultural competitions with local school children, the opening of the Uepohatu War Memorial Hall, a reunion of ex-service people (including members of the Maori Battalion), a concert and the opening of the Uepohatu War Memorial Hall.  The hall was built to commemorate East Coast soldiers who died during the two World Wars. 

At an investiture ceremony held on the second day, seventeen decorations were presented to servicemen and women who had served abroad and on the home front.

The gathering was an important one, attended by thousands including the Prime Minister Peter Fraser, the Leader of the Opposition Sidney Holland and other members of Parliament.  Sir Bernard Freyberg, the Governor General opened the hall and unveiled two memorial tablets inside.

Transcript

Karangatia ra, karangatia ra
Powhiritia ra
Nga iwi o te motu
Nga mano tini
Haere mai
He hui aroha
Mo nga hoia
E ngau te aroha me te mamae

Haere mai e nga iwi
Haere mai e nga toa
Nau mai te kawana
Nga mana tiketike
Honoa mai te aroha
Haere mai
Nga ohaki a nga tupuna
E ngau nei te aroha me te mamae

Nau ra e Api
Nau ra e koro
Wero ki taku uma
Titi rawa i te manawa
Oho ana te mauri, aue ra
Taonga tukuiho a nga tupuna
E ngau nei te aroha me te mamae, hi