Southland Heritage Month kicks off at Murihiku Marae
“If we don’t know who we are, we don’t know where we’re going,” Waihōpai Runaka deputy chairman Joe Wakefield says.
He felt that was why events like Southland Heritage Month were important: to help young people understand where they come from and to give older generations the opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences.
“We can’t change the past. What’s happened has happened. But we can help shape the future.”
Southland Heritage Month was ushered in with a pōwhiri at the new Murihiku Marae on Friday, kicking off a programme that celebrates Southland and the people who came before. “We’re really honoured to be able to celebrate the opening of a big month ahead,” Wakefield said.
It was satisfying, he said, to see people from all different parts of the community visiting the marae and engaging with mana whenua.
Heritage South chairperson Cathy Macfie said trustees were thrilled that the runaka were open to the idea of “showcasing the marae and telling stories that are not our place to tell”.
Macfie said the month’s activities would not be possible without the community who had been so generous that Heritage South could now offer learning experiences throughout the year.
“There are lots of wonderful people in the Southland heritage community who already do wonderful things,” said programme co-ordinator Senga White.
Many already had ideas when she started putting the programme together and because of that they were able to add new events, she said.
“Everybody’s doing amazing things. It’s a lovely celebration of the thing that are perennial favourites and new little jewels.”
Some of these gems — like guided, behind the curtain tours of the Civic Theatre and a high tea at 360 at The Langlands — are already fully booked.
But there are still opportunities to enjoy a guided walking tour of the Otepuni Creek, for example, or climb the First Church bell tower.
The Lunchtime Kōrero events at the library were always popular and White said there had been lots of interest in the talk scheduled for March 27 when researcher Richard Johnson would be speaking about “Rev Wohlers and the Missionaries of Ruapuke Island”.
Historian Loyd Esler’s “Rabbits, Whales and Cabbage Tree Rum” event at Sandy Point would be great for the family, White said, and she was personally looking forward to hearing about Gore journalist and author Herries Beattie from those who were digitising his work.
The majority of events were free and family friendly, she said.
Brochures with event listings are available around town, or visit SouthlandNZ. com to see the calendar.