The Tamaki Maori Culture Group
Tamaki, Auckland

This lively group started two years ago after a Maori Women's Welfare League conference. Established largely by the energies of Mrs Pare Harris, it began in the Church of England Hall, Glen Innes, with about a dozen children and a few mothers.

When the larger Point England hall became available, the growing movement transferred there. Several groups, including the Tamaki Ratana Youth Organisation and the Rito Group, decided to work within it. Members are of many tribes, and their religious denominations include Methodist, Anglican, Catholic, Mormon and Ratana.

The club has flourished to such an extent that every Sunday some 120 people—children, youths, mothers and a scattering of men—gather to practise action songs, haka and poi. The emphasis in the club is on the passing on of Maori cultural knowledge to the children, many of whom in their urban environment might otherwise have little opportunity for contact with this.

Everyone, including the children, learn to make their own tipare (head band), piupiu (skirt), rapaki (kilt), tapeka (sash) and bodice.

Membership is open to people of all races and religious denominations. Tutors include Mr Albert Pirini, Mrs M. Robson and Mrs R. McDowell. Officers include Mrs Harris, president; Mrs C. Hoani, vice-president; Mrs J. Hita, secretary; and Mrs M. Harris, treasurer. Mrs Hoani also helps in the tutoring.

One of the most notable things about the group is that it has sprung up from the community without outside sponsorship. It is a movement by themselves and for themselves.

Marlborough Maori Community Club
Blenheim

Founded in 1961, this group has 40 financial members. Membership is open to Maoris and Pakehas, and there are a number of active Pakeha members.

The club is concerned with Maori culture and with welfare activities. Members undertake regular hospital visiting, donations are made to charitable organisations, and assistance is given to Maori families in need of this.

The group has acted as host to many North Island groups travelling through Blenheim, the most recent being a party from St. Stephen's College, and the Whakarewarewa Concert Party.

Meetings, social evenings and Maori language classes are each held monthly, tutors for the language classes being Messrs F. Skinner, R. Nehemia and L. MacDonald. The president is Mr Hugh MacDonald, the secretary Mrs Kate Mason, and the treasurer Mr Hugh Roberts.

It is hoped eventually to build a Maori community centre building near Blenheim.

Wairarapa Anglican Maori Club
Masterton

This club, founded by the Rev. Hui Vercoe in 1956, was originally formed so that members could take part in the cultural competitions at the annual Anglican Hui Arohas. As well as this, they now take part in a great many local activities, accepting invitations from organisations to provide entertainment and to assist in fund-raising activities.

The club performs at the ‘Golden Shears’ competition held annually in Masterton, and for the last couple of years has also provided hangi meals for hundreds of visitors on this occasion. In 1963 it performed during the Queen's visit to the Fraser Park Shearing display.

The main aims of the club are to encourage its members to retain their Maoritanga, and to welcome any visitors to the community Maori or Pakeha.

There are 25 active members in the senior group, and 16 in a junior group started three years ago. Membership is open to people of all races and denominations.

Practice nights are held weekly. President: The Rev. J. H. Smith, the Wairarapa Maori Pastor. Vice-president and club captain: Mrs D. Savage. Senior club leader: S. Tahana. Junior club leader: Miss Reo Walker. Secretary: Mr C. Rowlands.

Catholic Academy of Maori Culture
Christchurch

The aims of this group are to promote the Christian faith among the Maori people, to teach and preserve Maori culture, to assist young Maoris coming to the city to find accommodation, work and healthy recreations, and to help promote closer social relations between Maori and Pakeha.

Memberships is open to all Maoris and Pakehas interested in the aims of the club.

Meetings are held on two Sundays a month, at St. Patrick's Hall, Barbadoes Street. There are lessons in the Maori language, action song and haka classes, and general social activities, with indoor games such as table tennis.

The concert party, named Te Whitu Ariki o Kahukura, is led by Hori Brennan and his wife Ramari.

The club's president is Mr Tom Dunn, and the secretary is Mrs Huna Jackson.

Waikare Sports Club
Bay of Islands

Waikare is a fairly isolated Maori community in the Bay of Islands.

The Waikare Sports Club was organised 18 months ago as a youth club, but its scope was soon extended to cater for the adults in the community also.

The only local source of entertainment apart from church and school activities, the club has four main activities which are held in rotation throughout the year: indoor games, indoor bowls, table tennis and darts, and Maori culture. There are also seasonal sports such as football and baseball. Community projects are also undertaken.

Club evenings are held every Friday, and every second Wednesday and Saturday. At the moment the club is preparing for a New Year's Maori Concert to be held in the Russell Town Hall.

President: Rev. Brian Olsen. Deputy-president: Mr Wes Toi. Secretary-treasurer: Mr Hiwa King. Assistant secretary: Mrs G. Heriora. Committee: Mrs G. George, Mrs W. Williams, Mrs F. King, Mr T. Williams, Rev. B. Olsen.

Principal of Te Aute College
Retires This Year

The Principal of Te Aute College, Mr R. G. Webb M.A., Dip.Ed., is to retire at the end of this year.

Mr Webb has been principal of the college since 1951. Before this he taught for many years at Rotorua High School.

He has a distinguished record of service in World War II, being made commander of the 24th Battalion in 1942. Subsequently he spent three years as a prisoner of war in Germany.

For many years Mr Webb was active in sporting administration, and he has also given much service to the Returned Servicemen's Association.