Such a legend, such a Man... An old DVD created a thought of
holding a Tribute Night. A tentative approach to the group and
the idea built to such levels that the meetings and communication
between members became more constant and uplifting.
So much organising!!
500 tickets printed and cut up, selling tickets...
keeping track of tickets!!
500 hangi to prepare, not to mention the puddings,
mussels, boil-up and extras!!
A venue, how to set it all up, and entertainment!!
Who on this earth could ever come up to scratch
when we were talking about Prince Tui Teka!!
A month before the event took place, one of our members made a
phonecall to his Aunty Missy. Someone he hadn't seen for over twenty
years yet here he was asking if she would come for this Tribute for Tui
and what a wonderful thing it was to hear she had said Yes!
Saturday the 14th arrived with much ado. Aunty landed a wee bit early
expecting a haka to be performed at the arrivals only to find a nephew
hurrying her straight out to the car so he could get back to check the hangi !!
The night began with a local trio singing harmoniously with their guitar...
Putauaki ... Out in the cold ... Don't think you remember me...
just to name a few. All the while there was a line up at the gate
that stretched out for hours and the venue started filling up with
more people than I had ever seen there before.
We had big strapping security guards roaming the premises,
volunteering their services for a trouble free night.
Our members all running around doing their parts to make
the night run smoothly.
The hangi came out with the help of the public and people ate.
Willie James came on stage. An hilarious entertainer who made the
crowd laugh and sang those good old songs that we all knew were Tui's.
The atmosphere was so thick with aroha, it was a most unbelievable night.
People drank, sang along and were merry.
Willie James show was brilliant and the band were spectacular.
A huge whoop rose up with the arrival of Aunty Missy.
Just her presence lifted the entire crowd. Tears flowed unashamedly
from folks, you could see reminiscence set upon their faces.
Perhaps remembering a show that they had been to years ago, some just
remembering the good old days.
She drew us all to her with our common love for a Kiwi Legend.
She blew us away with a few numbers and a few funny speeches,
and all too soon our night was over.
It took almost a hour for Aunty Missy to walk the 100metres to the car,
as the crowd flocked around to be close to her, and to talk with her.
Many patrons stayed longer, buzzing after the nights
events along with some of our members who stayed to clean and tidy.
The night was a success in our eyes.
When Aunty Missy walked through the gates of the Vets Club,
she said the atmosphere was the same as when she and Tui were
walking into a show all those years ago.
People were expectant and their energy was awesome.
It lifted her to see that we all still love him the
same as when he did grace the stage.
