Visit recalls memories for head

For the first time in 20 years the Wanganui New Zealand Opera School attended a haka powhiri at Putiki Wharanui last night, (FROM LEFT) Acclaimed New Zealand mezzo soprano and vocal coach Margaret Medlyn, School executive chairman Donald Trott and Wanganui City Council arts facilitator Deborah Wai Kapohe. Photo/Bevan Conley

It was a special and stirring occasion last evening for everyone from the Wanganui New Zealand Opera School as they arrived on Putiki Wharanui to a haka powhiri welcome.

It was the first time in 20 years the school in its entirety had been taken on to the marae.

In his response, school executive chairman Donald Trott said Putiki Marae held precious and nostalgic memories for him.

In 1963, he was the leader of a team of Boys' Brigade members selected from all over New Zealand to represent their country at a world convention of the Boys Brigade Movement at Glen Almond College, Perthshire, in Scotland.

Mr Trott said each country was told a year in advance they had to present a concert featuring their culture.

"I was unsure what to do so I went to Putiki Marae for help. I was still living at home in Wanganui then."

He said he never forgot the wonderful greeting he was given and within minutes it was decided he would be taught three haka which he would teach to his team of 25 boys.

His weekly haka lesson was an absolute joy, he said. "I would knock on the door of the kuia, Nanny Takarangi, and she would give me the most wonderful smile.

"It was wide and beaming, I always felt so welcome."

Another elderly kuia would be sitting on the kitchen floor weaving flax, he said.

"She spoke very little English and I think she was about 93-years-old." In the course of that year he learned the three different haka and towards the end he was taken into practice and learned with a large group of boys from the marae, he said.

When he finished his lessons he was given 25 woven flax headbands for his team from the kuia and she also presented him with his own personal kete.

"And I have brought it to the marae with me today.

"I have always treasured this kit and always will."

For their waiata the opera school sang the rousing and famous Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from the third act of the opera Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi.

Further Opera School stories, Pages 6 and 8.