Weekly Review No. 112 (1943)

Summary

The ceremony at Whakarua Park in Ruatoria honors Lieutenant Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu, a Māori war hero who posthumously received the Victoria Cross for his bravery during WWII. Thousands gather to celebrate his life, including Māori Battalion veterans and school children. The Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, and associated tribes host the event, filled with traditional haka, songs, and speeches. Despite rain, the spirit of unity and pride shines through as the Ngārimu family receives the honor on behalf of their son. The ceremony highlights the enduring warrior spirit and the collective pride of the Māori people.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ceremony takes place at Whakarua Park in Ruatoria, where thousands gather to honor Lieutenant Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu's Victoria Cross.
• 😀 The event is a rich display of Māori culture, featuring dance, song, and traditional performances that emphasize both grief and celebration.
• 😀 The ceremony is deeply significant for both the older and younger generations, with tribal memories and stories shared to reinforce cultural pride.
• 😀 The ceremony highlights the unity of multiple tribes, including Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, and others, who host and provide for the gathering.
• 😀 Despite inclement weather, with rain threatening to delay the event, the spirit of the gathering remains strong, with the rain not dampening the mood.
• 😀 The event draws a diverse crowd of 8,000 Māori and Pākehā, including veterans from the Māori Battalion and 300 school children from across New Zealand.
• 😀 The traditional Māori custom of offering food and entertainment is observed, with guests being treated to hāngī and other preparations.
• 😀 The ceremony reflects the Māori values of manaakitanga (hospitality) and community, as everyone contributes to the success of the gathering.
• 😀 Lieutenant Ngārimu is celebrated not only by his own tribe but by all Māori people, symbolizing unity and collective pride.
• 😀 Mr. and Mrs. Hāmuera Ngārimu receive the Victoria Cross on behalf of their son, a tribute to his bravery during the Battle of Tebaga Gap in Tunisia.

Q & A

What event is being described in the transcript?

The transcript describes a ceremonial event at Whakarua Park, Ruatoria, where the Victoria Cross won by Lieutenant Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu is presented to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hāmuera Ngārimu.

How long did the ceremony last?

The ceremony lasted for five and a half hours.

What is the significance of the ceremony?

The ceremony is significant as it honors Lieutenant Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu's bravery and the heroic acts that led him to receive the Victoria Cross, symbolizing pride and unity within the Māori community.

What role did the weather play in the event?

The weather, particularly rain squalls, threatened to postpone the event, but occasional sunshine helped to keep the ceremony going. Despite the rain, the energy and enthusiasm of the gathering remained high.

How many people attended the ceremony?

Around 8,000 Māori and Pākehā people attended the ceremony, including 300 schoolchildren from all over New Zealand.

What cultural traditions were observed during the ceremony?

The ceremony featured traditional Māori customs, including kapa haka (songs and dances), tribal contributions, and the sharing of food through a hāngī (cooking method using hot stones). Women also had the right to speak on ceremonial occasions, as per East Coast etiquette.

What is the significance of the Victoria Cross awarded to Lieutenant Ngārimu?

The Victoria Cross awarded to Lieutenant Ngārimu is significant not only for his personal bravery but also as a symbol of pride for the Māori people and their contributions to New Zealand's military history.

How did the community show their respect for Lieutenant Ngārimu?

The community demonstrated their respect through songs, dances, speeches, and the preparation of food. Tribal differences were set aside to honor Lieutenant Ngārimu as a hero belonging to the entire Māori people.

Who were some of the other individuals honored at the ceremony?

Other individuals honored included members of the Māori Battalion, such as Lieutenant Colonels C. M. Bennett, F. Baker, and G. F. Bertrand, as well as Warrant Officer M. T. McRae, Major Royal, Captain W. Poata, and Lieutenant J. P. Tikao Barrett.

What were the feelings expressed by Mr. and Mrs. Ngārimu during the ceremony?

Mr. and Mrs. Ngārimu expressed gratitude for the honor and recognition bestowed upon their son. They expressed their sorrow that Lieutenant Ngārimu was not present to receive the tribute personally, but they also acknowledged his love for the country and his pride in fighting for it.