He Kura Tangihia, He Maimai Aroha, Aue Taukiri E!

Patricia Waituranga Turu

Tēnei ko te āmiomio o te whakaaro
Tēnei ko te raruraru o te wairua,
He aha kōia e pāheke nei i aku kamo,
He roimata apakura ki te ika o te mate ka ngaro nei,
He aha kōia tēnei pōuritanga e ngaukino nei i ahau,
He pōuritanga e kore rawa e momotu ki tawhiti e.

E rere e te manu kōtuku o Te Nehenehenui ki ngā rauwharawhara o Hangatiki, māwhiti atu ki te tai tonga ki te matatihi o tō maunga ki Tuhua e tangi tū nei.

He kura tangihia, he maimai aroha, aue taukiri e!

It is with solemn hearts and deep sadness that we share the passing of Patricia Waituranga Turu, whose sun set peacefully last night, Monday, surrounded by her immediate whānau and held in the comfort and embrace of karakia.

Affectionately known as Pat, she was a cherished daughter of the late Nora Rakete Turu (nee Moerua) and the late Jack Tawhaki Te Arairiri Turu Hori Hakena.

A pou to her 13 siblings by the late Poppy Tuahuatapatai (nee Haereiti) and the late Patrick Parinui Tapara.

An enduring special bond with Neisha Hura, and an adored “Nan” to Natalia Hura, and Jo-Ella Hura-Tupaea.

Although her sun rose on 12 May 1956 it was in her 70th year, that Pat faced a short but courageous and determined battle, living and meeting it on her own terms, with strength and dignity.

As was her wish, Pat will spend Tuesday night at Scott Road Papakura, before beginning her journey south to Taumarunui on Wednesday morning.

Along the way, Pat will call into Rereamanu Marae, followed by a short stop at Te Korapatu Pā.

After a short time there, Pat will continue on to Hia Kaitupeka Marae, where she will arrive Wednesday afternoon.

On Thursday, Pat will be laid to rest near her mum and dad, returning to those whom she held so dearly at Hia Kaitupeka, a marae close to her heart.

Contact:
Winston Cotidis
027 407 6373

E kui taihoa rā tō haere kia mihia koe e te iti me te rahi,

Whōatu rā koe ki ō tini, ki ō mano ki te pō, waiho mai ko ngō parirau ki te whenua hei korowai whakapikiora ki tō iwi e tangi apakura nei

E kui, e moe, e oki, whakatā.

Te Poumataaho Haereiti

Te Poumataaho Haereiti

Te Poumataaho Haereiti (Holding Patu) eldest son of Te Aroa Haami Haereiti and Waiata Taniora. Captured in the early 1900’s in front of the tupuna whare Aperahama, Marokopa.

Old Johnny was My Grandfather

Old Johnny and his wife

As I ponder about him, I go back in time and remember the wonderful memories that still live so vividly in the deep recesses of the minds eye. It seems as if it was only yesterday and my grandparents were paying us a visit. I can see old Johnny and my grandmother Waipaera get out of the taxi and saunter slowly into the house.

It was exciting to see them because we knew that somewhere on his person Old Johnny had some gum hidden in his pockets. We had to find it. Sometimes it was hidden in less obvious places, like up his sleeve coat or behind his coat collar or even in the inside band of his hat. Just before alighting from the cab old Johnny hid the gum. We had a challenge to find it.

One of his most intriguing hiding places was behind his belt. It was a simple game. All we had to do was pat the pocket, or area where we thought the gum was located. He would mutter ae or yes or kao meaning no. the five of us all had turns and irrespective of the fact we could not find gum we all shared equally.

Old Johnny was a God-Fearing man. Everyday at six in the morning, you would hear him pounding the walls with his Tokotoko [walking stick.] That was the signal that the family would be having prayers and everybody was to congregate in his room around his bedside. He would lead us in a Hymn and then we would have a word of prayer. The Old Man as my father would call Old Johnny would always begin with his favourite hymn, Tama Ngakau Maarie. He would sing the first few words  and then the family would join in. I can remember with fondness the blending of our voices as we sang. Without direction we automatically fell into four and five part harmony. My sister Moana sang with high dulcete soprano tones. Her voice soared a full octave above everybody else. My sister Poppy sang the melody line, Maudie sang the Alto and I sang the first tenor. My mum sang with Poppy and my dad filled with notes ranging from bass to tenor or wherever he could fit in.

It was a chicken skin feeling that just happened and I will always remember our family singing. Up to this day, I don’t know how it happened, all I know is it just did.

Written by Willie Haereiti
and published with permission from his daughter, Kare Haereiti.