He Kupu mō te Whakatūwhera Whare

Nā reira kia pai koe ki te manaaki i te whare o tāu pononga, kia pūmau tonu ai ki tōu aroaro; nāu hoki e Ihowā, e te Atua, te kupu; ā, hei tāu manaaki te manaaki mō te whare o tāu pononga ā ake ake. 2 Hamuera 7:29

(Opening words shared at the recent rededication karakia.)

Reflecting on the event local Minita-a-iwi Hoana Flay says, “Today was a celebration of legacy, connections and faith. Te Atua was the focal point of our gathering to rededicate and reaffirm our commitment to one another and to the teachings of Christ”.

The karakia was led by Hoana Flay, Glen Hauraki, Keita Hotere and Ellie Topia Ripia. Attendees included members of the Taitokerau Rohe, the wider Northern Wairoa community and members from Tamaki and Waikato Rohe.

Janine Harris shared, “James Buller leaves behind a legacy of faith and inspiration to his family many of whom have followed in his missionary footsteps.” Jaanine, a descendant of Eliza Jane Buller, was amongst many welcomed to the rededication service. Eliza was the younger sister to the pioneer Wesleyan missionary Rev. James Buller from whom the centre is named. The family emigrated to New Zealand from Helston Cornwall. They landed in Dunedin and eventually James Buller made his way to Tangiteroria. There he came under the care and protection of rangatira Tirarau and his people. Later he moved further south to a Mission House built at Mangawhare Mount Wesley.

Rex Nathan shared, “It’s been an awesome journey (the renovation journey). It’s been great having hāhi members back to support the kaupapa. Karakia continues once a month on the 1st Sunday of the month at Oturei marae and occasionally at the newly rededicated centre. There’s been lots of interest from people in the community, people that want a place to hold meetings for a couple of hours, or longer. Going forward it will be an asset for the Rohe.”

Thanks were expressed to Te Taha Māori Property Trust and the staff in bringing this refurbished space to life. The collective effort of all those involved in this renovation project has transformed this building into a true treasure for the Taitokerau Rohe.