Te Kuiti –
The Convergence
Aotearoa –
Te Kuiti o nga whakaaro e te iwi – The convergence of
thoughts of the people.
Te Tokanga nui a noho Marae – Maaori
Meeting House
The first two hundred
years have now passed into history and we are now into the Third Century. From
those early days when suspicion and distrust abounded, we have learnt and are
still learning how to live and work together.
What does the
future hold?
Assimilation, engenders
in the mind of the Maaori a loss of identity and a gradual absorption into the
European way of life. Deep down he is fearful of it.
Integration, in
which the best of both races is welded together, has a more ready acceptance.
We can then retain our cultures and share the best in them. The Maaori language
has a key part in this. With true integration,
Nature under
the Almighty’s hand has sculptured
And what of Te
Tokanga nui a noho’s future? Its beauty and craftsmanship will be extolled for
generations to come, and those who walk through its sacred portals will find
peace and solace.
It will
continue to be used for gatherings of the people for many years to come, but
maybe too, it is meant to become a home where the treasures and artefacts of
the past can be placed on display and exhibited to their best advantage.
A tourist
attraction? Yes, and it can at the same time retaining all it’s dignity.
What finer
building could be found in all the area as a community and cultural center,
where all people can gather and talk together. It is food for thought preserved
and secure in the knowledge that all men of good faith will find unity within
its bounds.
Tatou tatou.
(We are one.)
(Referenced
from Te Tokanga nui a noho project development booklet.)
