A message from the Rātana Centennial Celebrations organising committee:
On June 4th–7th this year we celebrate 100 years since the arrival of Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana, Te Māngai, to Tauranga Moana.
In his 1921 tour through Tauranga, he came sharing the word of God through healing. Thousands flocked to see Rātana after news circulated of a Māori miracle man who had cured the deaf, the blind, and the crippled. In his reign as Te Māngai, Rātana cured hundreds.
One hundred years on and we’re inviting you all to join us in celebrating the blessings bestowed upon our moana all those years ago through waiata, wānanga, kēmu, mahi toi and more.
Our event will be held over a three-day wānanga at Tahuwhakatiki Marae (Rōmai), starting Friday 4th June at 4pm with a pōhiri for all our manuhiri, and concluding with entertainment on Sunday night. We have accommodation available for whānau travelling from afar and kaumātua-friendly options.
If you plan on participating in our wānanga, please visit one of our Facebook pages (Centennial Celebration or 100 year arrival of TW Ratana te Mangai to Tauranga Moana 2021) and sign our registration form. Registrations will help with numbers for catering and accommodation.
Everyone is welcome. And we look forward to seeing you all there.
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