Dame Cindy and Dr Davies began a regional visit to Te Tai Tokerau today, and were welcomed to the region with a stirring pōhiri at Terenga Paraoa Marae in Whangārei. In her speech, Dame Cindy reflected on her strong connections to the area, and to the people of Te Tai Tokerau.
“My story begins with the connections I share with you, and which have sustained me throughout my life. I am grateful for the aroha and support I have received over the years, and I am so proud to be the first Governor-General from Te Tai Tokerau.”
After a warm welcome at Terenga Paraoa Marae, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the Wairau Māori Art Gallery and the Hundertwasser Gallery. The Wairau Māori Arts Gallery is the first dedicated public art gallery for contemporary Māori art, with exhibitions changing every three months. The current exhibition, Toka Tū, consists of artists who have been teachers and pillars of their community for decades. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies also visited the Hundertwasser Gallery, which showcases the work of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who lived and worked in Northland from the 1970s till his death in 2000.
The next engagement of the day was the Hihiaua Cultural Centre, which sits alongside the Hātea River. The centre is designed to be a place to reclaim, restore, and renew Māori identity and culture, with stage one of the centre functioning predominantly as a whakairo and arts space. Dame Cindy and Dr Davies learned more about the stage two plans for Hihiaua, which will feature an indoor/outdoor performance space. While Hihiaua champions toi Māori, all cultures are welcome and celebrated at this centre.
The final engagement of the day ended on a melodic note, with Dame Cindy and Dr Davies heading to Pehiāweri Marae to join their weekly Waiata Joy session. Waiata Joy is open all ages and abilities – anyone who would like to give waiata a go is welcome. The group is skillfully led by Joby Hopa, who is a tutor for the renowned Hātea Kapa Haka group.
To read Dame Cindy's speech at Terenga Paraoa Marae, go to this link Powhiri at Terenga Paraoa Marae.
To see images from the day's events, go to this link Te Tai Tokerau Regional Visit Day One.