MATARIKI AT THE PĀ 2019

‘E pīataata mai ngā whetu o Rāpaki’

The stars shone brightly at ‘Matariki at the Pā’ a dinner hosted at Rāpaki Marae in 2019. Our whanaunga dressed to impress and were treated to a night of fun, food and fantastic entertainment.

The evening’s MC’s were Miriama Kamo and Te Rangiwhakaputa Walton who shared stories of growing up on the Pā and introduced the acts who would serenade our whānau all night long.

The entertainment for the evening included: ‘Rāpaki All Stars’ a collection of “cuzzies” representing the different kapa haka based in Ōtautahi, followed by the talented Byllie-Jean (feat. KJ Phillips and Ana Fa’au), Project Miere (savanah Tukariri and Kerepeti Paraone) and Dillistrate.

It was a night to remember, celebrating the Māori New Year together as a hapū.

CHURCH REOPENING 2019

Te Whare Karakia o Rāpaki

The Rāpaki Reserves Trustees & Te Hahi Māori Weteriana Te Wai Pounamu hosted together a commemoration to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Rāpaki Church and the re-opening of the whare karakia on Saturday 4th May, 2019. Many came together to celebrate the achievement of this restoration and repair.

‘For the past 150 years, the Church has played a central role in the life of this kāika– Rāpaki. Either as a regular meeting place for nearly everyone in the community, or in recent years, as a symbol and pōhatu/ foundation stone symbolizing the ongoing strength of the hapū.

The early records show that nearly every whānau attended services and supported church activities here. As the years have passed, new generations faced new and different challenges, and their lifestyles changed but the Church has remained a centrepoint of the community.

When the new Rāpaki Church which opened on 4th May 1869, it was probably the second church at Rāpaki. The first, described as a ‘chapel’ was probably constructed around 1850 and then burned down around 1865, making way for the new church. A Houi (Ribbonwood) tree was planted near the door from which the bell was hung once the tree was large and substantial enough. It remained there for 80 years.

ANZAC MEMORIAL AND GALLIPOLI

The wharf in Rāpaki was built in 1923 and given the name Gallipoli, in memory of the people from Ngāti Wheke who served in World War I & II. The ANZAC Memorial and plaque by the wharf was set into foundation in 2017 to identify servicemen from WWI and recognize their acts of courage. 

In early 2022, the rūnanga moved to include women, female nurses, who braved the war environment to serve and heal the soldiers who participated in it. They will be added in the future alongside the servicemen of WWII.

The bugle has sounded annually at Rāpaki (in non-Covid years) to mark the dawn service of prayer and acknowledgement, bringing Ngāti Wheke and the broader community together in remembrance of those who gave their lives to ensure the safety and livelihood of future generations. 

Kia maumahara tātou i a rātou.
Lest we forget. 

ANZAC whanau

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