Sunday, June 27, 2010

Ha-Waihi


E nga mokopuna o Te Uira raua ko Te Kotuku Horima Hakopa Tena no koutou katoa!

On the weekend of 11-13 June 2010, the Hakopa Whanau converged on Waihi, the home of Turumakina, Hapu of Ngati Tuwharetoa to celebrate the 80th birthday of Te Tawiri o te rangi Hakopa, the last of the children of Te Uira and Horima Hakopa.

Whanau came from all over the motu and from Australia to be there; the last time we were all together for such an occasion was when dad turned 60 - he was none too happy then - but this time, it seems that the years have mellowed him and he was absolutely thrilled to be among whanau.

Twenty years ago we had among us Aunties: - Whiungarangi, Hine, Haumoetahanga (Lotty), Rita and Wai - Uncle Moffit - the photos were stunning! - and the mokopuna were so young! (Have i forgotten anyone??)

Twenty years on only Aunty Wai is alive and the mokopuna have grown and increased in number!



It was an absolute pleasure to be with the whanau throughout the weekend. It gave us all an opportunity to connect and reacquaint ourselves with Waihi and to set in place some tentative plans for renewing our relationships with Moawhango and Oruamatua!!


hei kona whanau
naaku noa
Hauiti