What an awesome final that was. I had the pleasure of watching the game in China alongside a number of the business delegates that travelled alongside me.
Being typical Kiwis, there was a lot of emotion at the end, and of course a stirring haka to celebrate the win. Proof I suppose that no matter where you are in the world, we are tied together in times of joy and sorrow, and what better way to express our nationhood than by joining together to do the haka.
To a competition of another kind now, well done to all the kura who competed at the National Primary Schools Kapa Haka Competition last week.
Te Arawa was well represented by four local schools - Te Kura Kaupapa o Hurungaterangi, Rotorua Intermediate, Te Kura Kaupapa o Ruamata and Te Wharekura o Ngati Rongomai.
I was particularly proud that my electorate, Waiariki, had 13 schools representing this region out of 47 teams competing. That's an awesome representation of this part of the country. To the kura who placed in the top three, 3rd Te Kura o Te Teko, 2nd Te Kura o Waioweka and 1st Te Wharekura o Rakaumangamanga he mihi nui ki a koutou. Congratulations to you all.
As mentioned previously, my electorate office on Eruera St has now closed, and my team and I have relocated after being in that spot for nine years.
My office is now opposite the West End Medical Centre, at 212 Old Taupo Rd, on the corner with York St. The contact details are the same, and my staff can take inquiries on my behalf from 9am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday. I welcome your feedback. Email mpwaiariki@ parliament.govt.nz, (07) 350 3261 or 0508 924274.
Te Ururoa Flavell is the Maori Party co-leader and MP for Waiariki.
