Powhiri Magic

Ah... things we do!!

I had a rather intersting day today - in fact, I would have to say it's probably one of the highlights of the year.

The General and Commissioner Clifton arrived today and I got the opportunity to be part of the tangata whenua with the Maori Ministries Group, to welcome them at the powhiri. Can't say I've ever greeted our international leaders or the cabinet with a hongi before but there's a first time for everything!!

The highlight for me though almost goes beyond words. I don't remember when exactly, but mum told me that I was Maori when I was pretty young. Since then, I've always loved to be part of culture groups and I remember being involved at both primary and intermediate school. Other than a couple of years in a kapahaka group at a school I taught at back around 2000/2001 and a few hui weekends with other Auckland based Maori from Ngai Tahu, I haven't done a whole lot towards rediscovering and perhaps even owning something that seems so naturally a part of me.

Until today that was... it felt like a homecoming. I love the idea of families and I love traditions and Maori culture is full of both! Thank you Joe and Nan for welcoming me - not just into the group but home I think... and for becoming so much like family in such a short space of time. Thanks to all who were a part of the day - I had an awesome time.

I know its rather tragic but all I have floating round in my head now are the words to Dave Dobbyn's song Welcome Home... ah, long may it last!! I'll post some photos as soon as I can lay my hands on some.