'Nga Tamariki' performed by Rangitukia School as a song of welcome to the Governor General at the pohiri for guests at Uepohatu marae, Ruatoria in 1947. The words of the song welcome government officials and guests to the opening of the memorial hall, erected in loving memory of the soldiers from the area who died in World War I and II.
The marae hosted events held on the 12th and 13th of September that included cultural competitions with local school children 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.
A reunion of ex-service people (including members of the Maori Battalion) was also held.
At the Investiture 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
Nga tamariki o Rangitukia
Powhiritia nga mana katoa
Te kawana nau mai ki Ruatorea
Kia mihi atu au ki a koutou ra, aue aue
Te kawana e
Nau mai haere mai
Kia mihi atu ahau e
Te kawana matakitaki ra
Ki te tohu ko Uepohatu
He pou aroha ki nga hoia
I hinga ki te pae o te riri e
He pou aroha
ki nga hoia
i hinga ki te riri e
Sound file from Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, ref: 43116. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright.
Image: Stage wall of the Uepohatu War Memorial Hall. Tukutuku panels and honour boards commemorate the service of soldiers, including Te Moananui a Kiwa Ngarimu (VC), in the world wars.
Courtesy of Nga Taonga a Nga Tama Toa Trust
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