KIA NGAWARI MARAE

                                   NEWSLETTER

                                                                        Vol. 1, No. 1               OCTOBER 2001

PRESIDENTS NOTE:            

When dawn broke on the beautiful day of September 29, 2001, we knew it was not going to be like any other. History was made that would usher in a new era for the Maori and all peoples of Utah and other area of the United States. A Turangawaewae had been long dreamed of for years. Former Mission Presidents and returned missionaries from Aotearoa had echoed the same cry as did our Maori people here, calling for the day when a Marae would be built. If one could be built, we knew it would carry the name of “Kia Ngawari” in honor of Tumuaki Cowley.

Realizing the cultural sacredness of such a dream, I undertook a trip in December 2000 to New Zealand to seek the feelings, and hopefully the blessings, of our Rangatira from Aotearoa. After visiting with the current Minister of Maori Affairs (Parekura Horomia) and Rangatira in Taupo (Tuwharetoa) and Waikato (Tainui), I returned with their full support and blessings. Hare Puke and Hinekahukura Barrett Aranui (Tuti) had been invited, and accepted, to be our Kaumatua and Kuia. Wi Kuki Kingi (Maori Queen’s Master Carver) had also offered his expertise and skills as a master carver to oversee all the carving of the marae!  There was no question that we could feel the power of our Tupuna guiding us through this project, as none of us here has had any prior experience of building a marae. We also knew it would be no easy task to say the least, but we also felt this is what the Lord also wanted. As we prayerful began to consider such an undertaking, miracles began to happen and the goodness and spirit of people in general began to show forth.

Will Jones, Real Estate Developer (Pine Realty) in Alpine, Utah (NZ South missionary 1972-74) heard about our plight and graciously made available some prime land in Lehi, along the shores of the Jordan River. Merlin W. and Edna Sant, former Mission President (NZ South 1972-75) pledged investment holdings to begin our quest for funding. Dennis Chapman (Ex-CCNZ Teacher) & son Richard, Designers, provided the initial project plans for the Wharenui and other Buildings that got us going.

 (Architects impression of the Marae)

Architects Anthony Wegener (CEO of Design West) and Stephen James (NZ born, son of Rhett James), of Logan Utah, offered to prepare the construction drawings along with their business associate David Pierson, Structural Engineer, who also offered his services. Robert Tingey, Attorney at Law in Salt Lake City (NZ South missionary 1972-74) offered to provide all legal services needed to procure permits to build, etc. Clary Smolka, general contractor (Another NZ-Returned missionary), offered his contractors license for building the marae, and many others. Within a short space of time, the Kia Ngawari Marae Committee could feel, with so many miraculous events taking place, that a greater force was directing this work. Although we still awaited word from the Internal Revenue Service on the disposition or our application for non-profit tax status, more and more people came forth wanting to donate money, time, equipment or materials. On August 22, 2001, our prayers were answered and the long awaited word arrived. The IRS notified us we had been approved for non-profit 501(C)(3)-tax status! At the same time, the City of Lehi also approved our building proposal and permits to begin construction. We knew then our dream was becoming a reality. So September 29, 2001, while the weather was still pleasant, was set aside to dedicate the land and officially break ground for construction.

 Link to some slide shows of the ground breaking

Realizing that the real Tangata Whenua (people of our land) were the Northern Ute Indian tribes, a trip was made to Duchesne, Utah, to request their attendance and blessing on the land at the dedication. We knew this was the protocol our Tupuna would expect and without hesitation the Ute people accepted our invitation and came and supported us. All will long remember the dedicatory services on that Saturday. Where we were honored to have with us, not only former N.Z.  Mission Presidents and missionaries, along with several visitors from NZ and other Pacific Islands, but also Jerold Ottley  (former Director of the Tabernacle Choir) along with his three brothers, Sister Beisinger (Widow of George R Beisinger) and Elder Glen Rudd (General Authority Emeritus, NZ Mission Pres and missionary). Our Kaumatua for the occasion were Boydie Campbell (from Laie, Hawaii) and Rufus Mihaere (from Las Vegas, Nevada). Our Master of Ceremonies was Dave Atkinson and Sue Settle.

After the Utes blessed the land with drums, dance and sacred prayer, Uncle Rufus and Uncle Boydie spoke of the significance of the occasion. The highlight of the program was when Tumuaki Rudd spoke and then he donated to the Marae his own personal picture of Tumuaki Cowley (Kia Ngawari Picture, below)

Following his presentation he then offered a dedicatory prayer on the land and with the help of Sister Besinger and the Chapmans (Dennis & Nancy), they broke ground, using two of the original spades used at the groundbreaking of the New Zealand Temple back in the 50’s.

We are most grateful to all those who have given so much to make this day a success, and fueled our excitement we hold for the future. However, our real work has only just begun. The Marae Fund-Raising Committee soon will be hard at work raising funds and soliciting donations from you all.

KIA ORA KOUTOU RAU RANGATIRA MA.

KIA NGAWARI MARAE MISSION STATEMENT

To build a Marae (gathering place) as a Turangawaewae (place to stand) that will enable the preservation and perpetuation of Maori culture, Maori language, genealogies and histories of the people of New Zealand living in Utah and other areas of the U.S.A. This facility will also serve as a museum and gathering place where visitors can be hosted; where culture can be exchanged and taught; where our youth can gather for social and cultural events; where cultural heritage can be shared; where social and family events like reunions and weddings etc. can be held; where our ancestors can be remembered and memorialized; and where their sacred artifacts can be treasured and preserved.

MARAE COMMITTEES

Board of Directors and Marae Committees

 

MEMORIAL:

Syd Scott,  Winton Ria,  Matt Brown,  Arapeta (Albert) Whaanga,  Marg McEwen,   Vern Chapman,  Maureen Metcalf,  Rulon (Mete) Smith,  Garn Henderson,  Rosemary Evens,  Richard (Dick) Lambert,  Arona MacDonald,  Jason Chase,  Brendan Keehan,  Les Clarke, April Garlic, Larry R Oler

 Just to mention a few of our friends and prior-committee members who have passed on and provide us support and enlightenment from beyond the veil.

 HAERE E HOA MA, HAERE KI TE MATOU TUPUNA O MUA, HAERE HAERE HAERE.