Rā whānau
During August and September, several Parata whānau members celebrated their birthdays. The birthdays began in New Zealand with Reihana Paraone on 9 August, followed three days later by Rangimarie Parata Takurua, who celebrated her 50th birthday on 12 August. While in Greece, Waiariki celebrated his seventeenth birthday with a pool party at the Ionion Star Hotel, Lefkada, on August 20.
Three days later, the entire audience at the Lefkada International Folklore Festival sang happy birthday to our devout tāua Reihana Parata, who celebrated her 77th birthday.
Back down under, Kerepeti Paraone celebrated his birthday in Sydney on 30 August and just four days later his sister Hineamaru Paraone celebrated her birthday in both Singapore and on the waters of Malaysia on 3 September.
August 2014 will be remembered not only for the whānau birthdays celebrated around the world but more importantly, for the special time we shared laughing, eating and enjoying the company of friends and family. Nā Ripeka Paraone.
The Takurua whānau.
Whānau gather at the birthday breakfast for Tāua Reihana Parata.
Hineamaru and baby Maia, the daughter of Raukura Gillies.
Koka-hauwai Te Aowera and Rangimarie Parata Takurua.
Waiariki and Ripeka.
Waiariki and tāua at Lefkada.
Congratulations
Mark and I eloped in mid-September to get married at the Kotahitanga Church in Moeraki. Our celebrant was Fern Whitau.
The day was magical (thanks Moeraki) and the seafood at Fleur’s Place was the ‘icing on the cake’. Thanks to all who made it a memorable occasion for us. Aroha nui. Nā Areta and Mark.
From left, Hui-a-rei and Peter Wilkinson, Areta Wilkinson, Mark Adams and Fern Whitau.
Congratulations also, to Rangitane Thompson, a member of the Linwood Rugby League Under 17 team, who was recently awarded the trophy for player of the year. Ekea te puhitaioreore.
Rangitane then went to the opening performance of the show ‘Māui’, where he was joined by his Uncle Maui (née Jeffery). Uncle Maui performed a haka and it was a fabulous way to end the night.
Rangitane Thompson.
Marae bookings
The marae booking for the 50th Anniversary of the Titahi Bay and Lyttelton Rugby Clubs will either be the second or third weekend. We won’t be able to confirm the date until Clinton Norriss returns from his holiday towards the end of November.
Arahura Marae opening
Confirming Hineata, Tyrese, myself and Uncle Joe are booked at Jade Court Motel from Thursday 20-22 November. Nā Flora Mcgregor.
New MP
Rāpaki wishes to acknowledge and congratulate Tutehounuku Korako, the latest National Member of Parliament to have come from Rāpaki. He follows in the footsteps of Ben Couch.
Ben was the Minister of Māori Affairs in the Muldoon government, so hopefully Tutehounuku may pursue the same portfolio in a Key-led government. All the hard work put in by all his supporters over a long campaign, has reaped rewards.
Parliament’s gain is a loss for Rāpaki, as Nuk was actively involved in iwi and hapū boards and committees. He will be greatly missed at all levels. We all know that while parliament may be for a short-time, whakapapa is for a life-time. We wish Tutehounuku and Chris well on their new journey and look forward to their eventual return.
E te rakatira, nei rā kā mihi o te Rāpaki o te Rakiwhakaputa ki a koe. Nā Kopa Lee.