Kaumātua ball celebrates elders and community
Music and laughter filled a small town hall in a celebration of Māori elders and community.
About 200 people gathered in the Shannon Memorial Hall on Saturday night for the annual kaumātua ball.
Organiser Yvonne Te Peeti from Ngāti Whakatere said everyone from Palmerston North to taki was at the ball.
‘‘These events are to be thankful to our elders, and say we are lucky to have them. Store houses of knowledge we call them.’’
The event was Matariki themed, to celebrate the Māori new year, but also to remember those who had died.
The event was organised by a group from Ngāti Whakatere, and featured a full meal and a live band.
Helper Sarai Pilkington said the best thing about the ball was seeing all the kaumātua in the district together.
‘‘Everyone is here to celebrate with them.’’
She said kaumātua status was determined by a range of things. Sometimes it was a person’s age, their wisdom, or their role in the community.
Pilkington said she was thrilled that so many people had come along, but had found herself wishing her late grandfather could have attended.
Claude Ketu was 89 years old, and died in September last year.
‘‘It’s all about them, I wish my koro was here.’’
Linda Whiti from Ngāti Whakatere was there at the ball with five of her clients, and three staff members from NZ Care in Levin.
She said that they were having a great time dancing, listening to the music and eating good food.
‘‘My wha¯nau were putting this on.
‘‘This is what we do, we gather and support each other.’’
Whiti said it was great to see people of all ages having a good time, and getting out on the dance floor.
Peter Williams from Ngāti Tukorehe was attending his first ball along with 11 other kaumātua from Kuku Beach.
‘‘We just like meeting all the kaumātua.
‘‘It’s nice to mix with other maraes.
‘‘You call tell the mana of an iwi by how it looks after its kaumātua.’’
He said the feel of the ball was good, the hall was great, and the music was a blast.