August 25, 2016
Kingitanga pride on display
Whaataapaka Marae in Karaka are holding a moko wananga this weekend at which about 20 wahine will take on the moko kauae as a mark of respect for the Kingitanga.
Turongo Paki, who is helping organise the hui, says they range in age from early their 40s to 79.
He says what started as a single woman wanting the kauae ended up snowballing.
"I was expecting only about four or five to say yes. At the first meeting 17 put their hands up straight away, and it was for the love of the Kingitanga, so I applaud them for that, knowing it will be on them for the rest of their lives," Mr Paki says.
The women are well prepared, and many will come with designs prepared by family members to reflect their individual histories.
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