Pa Wars AUGUST 22 2009
We had an awesome day on our agenda for Saturday, August 22nd 2009
Based upon the Pa Wars concept back in Aotearoa, we decided to build a Family Day of fun
where the kiddies could team up with their brothers, sisters, Mothers, Fathers, Uncles, Aunties
and cousins and play competitively fun games for points. At the end of the day each team
performed a 5 minute item on stage which would determine the winners of the day.
The question was asked at a meeting wether we were working for more funds or wether
we would rather bring the people together. The entire Roopu was all for bringing us together
as a people.We all did our bits to make this day a success and our idea for success this day
was for a 'TOGETHERNESS'on a huge scale.
Our stall coordinator, Tommy did a fantastic job securing about 30 stalls all selling different
goods so we had foods with a Maori flavour coming out of our ears!! Mussel and white bait
fritters cooked right there on the spot, corn on the cob, raw fish, raw mussels, terotero, fried
bread,kina just to name a few mouth watering morsels and of course the hangi were sold
throughout the day by 5 different roopu. Each one selling every one of their hangi! Awesome!
Te Tirohanga-a-iwi had two stalls selling drinks and sausage sizzles which did wonderfully well.
We were also lucky enough to have help offered and given from various avenues, one being
Te Whanau Tahi who are a big group of people who just like to ride the highways on some pretty
impressive pieces of chromed up and shining machinery. All heads turned when the Harleys
chugged up the pathway, most people unaware that these were our marshalls!
Melissa Hunapo had a major task in coordinating the games, teams and marshalls and did us a
great service in taking the microphone for the day. We really wouldn't have had such a great day
if it weren't for her joking demeanor that had everyone laughing for most of the day.
The teams are a must for such a day and we were fortunate to get 19 teams to compete.
The heat was pretty unbearable but most of the teams stuck it out for the entire period of
game play, then went on to perform on stage while the rest of us got to sit down and be
entertained. Each of the winning teams were beaming when they recieved their trophies along
with each team member receiving their individual prizes, certificates and lollies.
As members of Te Tirohanga-a-iwi, we were buzzing from the simple fact that everywhere
we looked people were smiling and having a great time.
Acknowledgements.
We purchased some beautiful trophies with the aid of sponsorship as well as those
donated from different people. This sponsorship cannot be acknowledged enough.
Kiwi Tree Lopping, R&M Mitchell Transport and Koea Transport all gave to our cause
and we will be eternally grateful.
Te Whanau Hunapo, Ngati Porou and the Nannies are sincerely thanked for their
donations of trophies.
Many people came forth to offer us support in all kinds of ways which is acknowledged
and deeply appreciated as they came for our kaupapa. Thank you to Cas & Pete,
Karangatahi Roopu, Te Whanau Tahi, St Johns Ambo's, Te Wipere Whanau,
Aunty Maureen and Aunty Black, Aunty Marg, Te Haraeiti Whanau, Christine and
everyone who came along to support us. And thank you to all our members who go beyond their
share of mahi just to make things happen.
Thank you to all the teams who participated!! Next year is going to be bigger and better!!
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