Ratana Marae welcomes motoring enthusiasts

Members of Vintage Car Club New Zealand were welcomed on to Ratana Marae yesterday as the lead-up to the 2012 Vintage Car Club (VCC) International rally begins.

It was the first time the club's management team had been formally welcomed on to a marae in the club's 66-year history. Members were greeted by Rev. Canon Graham Puru, who said it was a "unique occasion" to welcome vintage car club members there.

"You vintage car enthusiasts, I know you are a rare breed, and I welcome you," he said.

National VCC club president John Coombes said the members were particularly honoured to be welcomed on to the marae during Ratana's annual birthday celebrations for founder Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana.

The marae would be a stop in next year's rally, which would involve more than 800 vintage cars starting the rally in Wanganui on January 16 next year, he said.

Taking the rally through Ratana would offer rally guests and visitors a chance to experience an important part of the culture of the area, and they were pleased the Ratana people were supporting the venture, Mr Coombes said.

"The event will be very memorable. There will be people from all around the world and many will be bringing cars, so your people will be seeing a lot of interesting vehicles," he said.

Later yesterday the paramount Chief of Tuwharetoa, Tumu Te Heuheu, as well as the kawemate of Sir Archie Taiaroa, were also received on to the marae for the Ratana celebrations.

Today the Maori King, Kingi Tuheitia, Prime Minister John Key, Labour leader Phil Goff and MPs including Metiria Turei, Peter Dunne and Tariana Turia, were also expect to be welcomed on to the marae, ahead of the big celebrations on Tuesday.

Ratana Church secretary Wiremu Meremere said in the past leaders of political parties had used the marae to make announcements, and they were expected to take the opportunity again this year.