Rangimoeroa Waikari-Panapa

On Monday, 10 February 2020, the pōwhiri for Dr Areti Metuamate, the inaugural Director of Te Kupenga – the Catholic Leadership Institute, was held at the Mercy Centre, Guilford Terrace, Thorndon. Areti was accompanied by his wife, Dr Jessa Rogers-Metuamate, his mother and other members of his whānau.

Cardinal John Dew gave the blessing and karakia mō te kai (grace) after the whaikōrero (speeches). The kaikaranga were Whaea Puti Mackey (Ngāti Pōneke) and Whaea Rangi Hau (Te Ngakau Tapu parish).

Koroua, old boys from Hāto Paora, clergy and friends from around the motu were present. Local iwi, the Vicar for Education, Mrs Jenny Gordon, staff and many others gathered together on the hau kāinga side (home peoples’ side). In closing, Pā Piripi Cody spoke of tautoko and manaaki (care and support) for Areti and Jessa in this new role.

The haakari (celebratory meal) was shared afterwards with more kōrero and waiata.

He waka eke noa!

Published in WelCom March 2020