Unidentified performers sing 'Kia ora Porourangi e' during events held at Uepohatu marae, Ruatoria in 1947.
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.
Transcription
Kia ora Porourangi e
Nau nei te karanga
Nga iwi haere mai!
Kia ora Porourangi e
Nau nei te karanga
Nga iwi haere mai!
Tae mai to reo pohiri e
Haere mai e nga iwi
Tina e tu nei e!
Hauru ana te whenua
Mataku ana mai
Te whakaeke o nga ope e
Porourangi kia kaha ra
Aue Hi!
Anei o iwi e tau nei
Manaakitia ra te Uepohatu
Tahi, rua, toru, wha! Hi!
Speaker: Whakapotae?
Sound file from Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, ref: 43116. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright.
Image: Nga Taonga a Nga Tama Toa Trust
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