Whaea and matriach Kaa Daniels ready for the Ngati Whakaue Koeke Celebration Dinner. Photo / Supplied
Whaea and matriach Kaa Daniels ready for the Ngati Whakaue Koeke Celebration Dinner. Photo / Supplied
Ngati Whakaue has paid tribute to its highly respected koeke (elders) at the annual Whakaue Koeke Celebration Dinner.
On Friday night more than 35 80 and 90-year-old kaumatua and kuia who have served across the tribe were hosted at a dinner for 250 people at Te Papaiouru Marae.
The celebrationwas be funded by the Ngati Whakaue Assets Trust, Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust, Ngati Whakaue Tribal Lands Inc. and the Ngati Whakaue Education Endowment Board.
Ngati Whakaue has shared some of the photos of its koeke with their families and support people who came along to help them celebrate. Photo / Supplied
Ngati Whakaue Assets Trust chairwoman Katie Paul said the evening was an important part of their social and cultural calendar and will be the fourth of the tribe's special annual dinners honouring their koeke.
"We are already strong in our culture and our marae, tikanga and te reo are thriving. The focus now is to grow and protect our success for future generations.
"We believe one of the most critical factors in moving forward is to maintain unity and respect for all of our people, and in particular for our kaumātua who have given so much."
Each of the nonagenarians received a taonga (gift) and framed photograph of the group at the event.
Ngati Whakaue has shared some of the photos of its koeke with their families and support people who came along to help them celebrate. Photo / Supplied
Monty Morrison and Kingi Biddle shared the MC'ing duties.
Last year's highlight was the Whakaue Whakanuia celebration, when more than 1000 people came together to celebrate Ngati Whakaue's family history and achievements, culminating in a special kapahaka event and marae awards dinner.
Ngati Whakaue has shared some of the photos of its koeke with their families and support people who came along to help them celebrate. Photo / Supplied
