Sunday, 9 December 2012

Homai te tamaaiti ki au kia whitu ana tau ma koe whakahoki atu – he tangata

Give me the child till he is seven and I will return you the man

Whakatauki explained by Morvin Simon nō Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi , Ngāti Apa, Tūwharetoa

The wharepuni standing at Kaiwhaiki, Whanganui started its life as the home of Morvin Simon’s great grandparents until it was gifted to Nga Paerangi hapu, and revitalised as a wharepuni.  Maraea Rakuraku spends time with Simon following the centenary celebrations for the wharepuni, Te Kiritahi.

Some may argue it was John Rowles that put Kawerau on the map.  Whatever your point of view it’s a place that holds special memories for the crooner whose biography, If I only had time was released last month.  Justine Murray is entertained by the reminiscing and reflections of the “Kawerau Kid”. 

Waiata featured:  People; Tania; E hehu; Cheryl Moana Marie performed by John Rowles from the album John Rowles Live in Concert (1990), If I only had time performed by John Rowles from the album The John Rowles Hit Collection (1996), Hutia te reo performed by Matapihi from the album Roimatahia (2000)