The sad passing last week of the Māori King brings back a couple of memories – one somewhat stressful and the other relieving. But let me explain.
Peter Carr, of Cambridge, QSM, for services to the community with Dame Cindy Kiro
Around 30 years ago – while living in Auckland – a successful manufacturing friend asked me to be the MC at the formal opening of his next factory – in this case at the top end of the Te Rapa straight that links Hamilton toward Ngāruawāhia.
I agreed and on the opening day we travelled south from Auckland for the early evening event. The host had explained to me that the Prime Minister would be present and speaking. On arrival I became concerned as it was apparent that this was going to be a large party – in fact I then ascertained that there would be in excess of 600 present. But to my immediate consternation I espied a friendly, smiling lady in the throng and immediately flew into a panic. To be absolutely correct I would now also have to formally introduce and welcome the Māori Queen.
Now how does a doughty lad from Yorkshire deal with the pronunciation and dialectal intonations of a person’s name that has 30 letters and no less than 14 syllables? Where stress on double vowels is important and the use of the pause is respectful. In almost a sheer panic I found someone who I thought could advise me and we huddled in a corner for five minutes while I had a swift schooling in (hopefully correct) pronunciation.
And off I launched with not only PM David Lange looking at me over his glasses with a half-smile on his face but also being very conscious that a large number of Māori in the guest list would be waiting for me to stumble. The first problem was who to mention first in the welcome? I possibly got that wrong but as the PM was, so to speak, cutting the ribbon for the venture, I placed him on top of the list. Nobody pulled me up for that worrying decision.
Following the pleasantries we were entertained by a magnificent Māori production of song and dance from a Hamilton school, and I found myself in the front row wedged between the proud headmaster of the school and Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. Both of them were delightful people but I was still concerned about my pronunciation. So, turning to the Māori Queen I asked her if I had managed to the required level of acceptance. She sweetly replied that for someone who had only five minutes warning it was a pretty good attempt.
This week, and the days that follow, is a troubling time for Māori in the Waikato. The last time they chose a leader they bypassed the eldest child of the (late) Queen and appointed a truck driver who had not the least indication or training that greatness was to be thrust upon him. Eighteen years later – and especially at the major hui he called earlier this year – he grew into the role showing that he was up to the task.
Going forward there is much Māori discontent and a current rough interface with the politicians. It is vital that those charged with choosing and anointing the new leader do so in a manner, and with a result, which embraces multicultural politics and socio-economic wellbeing. This in a dignified manner hopefully devoid of some of the rough and tumble behaviour seen over recent months especially in, and near to, the House of Representatives.
