Today was our second outing as NSW Maori Wardens. We set up a stall in an effort to get our kaupapa out there. We hoped to attract new members with Nanna Robyn proving to be our best recruiter!
The day started with a Powhiri. I was impressed with the welcome from our Aboriginal and Australian Kaumatua on the Paepae. It was lovely to see someone who is the tangata whenua of Australia taking part in one of our most cultural rituals. The explanation Mano gave after for our non maori speaking people was very informative, he really broke it down so it could be understood.
The day was beautiful and the rain didn’t start until well after the Final game. Not sure if the Shield is going to Canberra but that is where the Winners came from! Maybe the Sydneysiders will win it back in 2015.
The men played some exciting rugby, the ladies at the Hine Horotu stall wowed us with their Hine Burger and Audrey had some beautiful Taonga that Gareth and I ended up taking home. It was wonderful to see the Maori Community out in force for a positive event.
Maori Wardens were really proud to take part in the event and the support from all the people we spoke to was much appreciated. We have received a massively positive reception . This has been so encouraging. We want to get out there and connect so if you have a hui send us an email or Facebook message on our page NSW Maori Wardens
If you know of an upcoming Hui send us the contacts. We are always looking to take part in events within the Maori and Polynesian Community.
All that we do as Wardens is done with our people. Hence our motto – “Aroha ki te Tangata”