The Royal New Zealand Navy is celebrating the 21st birthday of its Te Taua Moana Marae in Auckland.
On Wednesday morning, iwi representatives from around the country, mana whenua, historical supporters and the Māori King, Kiingi Tūheitia, were given a pōwhiri by Māori warriors as they entered the marae at the Devonport Naval Base, overlooking the idyllic Ngau Te Ringaringa Bay.
The Te Taua Marae was opened by Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the late Māori Queen, on 15 April, 2000.
The celebration to acknowledge the marae's 21 years’ of service to the Navy fleet will take place over four days.
The commissioning of the Navy’s newest ship HMNZS Aotearoa
The commissioning of the Navy’s newest ship HMNZS Aotearoa at Devonport Naval Base, Auckland. (Video first published in July 2020)
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Despite a threat of rain during the pōwhiri, the skies cleared and the sun shone for the remainder of the celebration on Thursday.
After waiata (song), Navy chaplain Glen Popota began the āhuareka (celebration) with a karakia (prayer).
Chief Petty Officer and marae manager, Ngahiwi Walker, then did a mihi greeting the marae’s guests, during which he paid tribute to Prince Philip, who died on Friday.
Attendees laughed as Walker turned to face the marae, singing happy birthday.
“Rā whānau ki a koe, rā whānau ki a koe (happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you).”
Following whaikōrero (formal speeches) from Navy and iwi representatives, a koha (donation) was presented to the Navy taumata (speakers’ bench).
Iwi representatives were then offered hand sanitiser before they hariru (shook hands) with those on the taumata.
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David Proctor, wearing the navy symbol korowai (cloak), said it had decided to celebrate the marae’s 21st birthday after plans for its 20th birthday were disturbed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He thought it was appropriate given New Zealanders considered 21st birthdays “as a coming of age”.
After more waiata, Walker invited iwi into the wharenui (meeting house), Te Whetu Moana, for a cup of tea, marking the end of the formal service.
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