The whare is a testament to the foresight of Apirana Tuahae Kaukapakapa Mahuika - Chair of Te Runanga o Ngati Porou (later Runanganui) since its inception until his death earlier this year.
After nine months of renovation work by Ngati Porou tradespeople, the new Te Tini o Porou Whanau and Youth Centre in Kaiti was officially opened on Monday the 17th of August.
The day began with a dawn karakia/blessing of the new facility by Derek Lardelli and Mark Kopua. At 9am an official public community opening was held and attended by 300 people. The ceremony ended with a video about the vision and purpose of the Te Tini o Porou complex, and a special hakari.
In June 2014 the iconic "DB" Gisborne Hotel was purchased by Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou with the vision that it become a central hub for the Iwi, offering a range of commercial, educational and community services. A little over a year later a section of the building (the former public bar and lounge areas) have now been renovated and repurposed to become a place of service and manaakitanga for the Iwi and wider community.
The whare is a testament to the foresight of Apirana Tuahae Kaukapakapa Mahuika - Chair of Te Runanga o Ngati Porou (later Runanganui) since its inception until his death earlier this year. Naming it "Te Tini o Porou", Uncle Api's vision was that it become a place to shelter and serve ‘the many descendants of Porou’ - a name that reflects the many services, skills, talents and people who will use the facility.
The Whanau Oranga and Te Tatai Hono kaimahi of the Runanganui will move into the new centre within the next fortnight, and provide a “one stop shop” for the delivery of services and programmes to help support and empower whanau and rangatahi.
Watch a short news report about the opening of the whare below.
Residents of the Kaiti community, representatives from various regional and national organisations and special dignitaries were among the approximately 300 people who attended the official community opening of Te Tini o Porou’s new Whanau and Youth centre. The centre ( Te Kainga Manaaki i nga Taitamariki me te Whanau) was an integral component of the late Dr Apirana Mahuika’s vision for the Te Tini o Porou complex.
The Rev Canon Morehu Te Maro leading a karakia during the official mid-morning ceremony.
Long time Kaiti residents, John and Kura Shields, have lived opposite the Te Tini o Porou site on Tyndall road for 45 years. The couple played a special role on the day, alongside 7 mokopuna representing the 7 Ngati Porou Rohenga Tipuna during the ribbon cutting section of the ceremony. From left to right: Matariki Mahuika, Koby Wyllie, Te Waiawa Irwin, Kura Shields, Summah Smith, Tiana Reedy-Callaghan, Karin Mahuika (supporting mokopuna, Kuraunuhia Mahuika), John Shields and Ripeka Akurangi.
Respected Maori artist and Tohunga Whakairo, Cliff Whiting (Te Whanau a Apanui) was commissioned to create special art works for the new Te Tini o Porou Whanau and Youth Centre. Karin Mahuika, the wife of Dr Apirana Mahuika unveiled one of the art pieces which was carved as a memorial the former TRONPnui Chairman. The sculpture is of a Kotuku in flight, accompanied by the following inscription. "Piki atu Te Kotuku rerenga tahi, ko Te Manu o Te Repo, Te Matuku tangi mokemoke e".
Derek Lardelli leads the blessing throughout the new Te Tini o Porou Whanau and Youth Centre
Derek Lardelli leads the roopu towards the new youth gym, which was also part of the re-development of the Te Tini site. The building which now houses the gym and recreation centre was formally an alcohol retail store.
“Ko wai te whare nei e? Ko Paikea, Ko Paikea” - The new youth gym is named after the eponymous Ngati Porou ancestor, Paikea.
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