Mataatua wharenui complex will be opened at Whakatane on 17 September 2011.

A pohiri to welcome Mataatua whanui will be held the day before 2pm on Friday 16 September 2011.

Taiwhakaea II-Te Patutatahi, Hikakino, Te Rangihouhiri II and Te Tawera have several seminal tipuna represented in this iconic tribal wharenui including Ikapuku the grandfather of Taiwhakaea II, Whetenui and Parakeha, brothers of Taiwhakaea II, Kiore his potiki and Kiore's mokopuna the twins Taitimuroa and Wahahamama, the sons of Te Ihutaoroa.  Pirauwhenua the husband of Puawairua is represented along with Te Rangihouhiri I, founder of Ngai Te Rangi iwi from Tauranga and brother of Tamapahore.  And Tamapahore is the grandfather of Te Rangihouhiri II and therefore greatgrandfather of Toanatini. Other tipuna include Tuteao of Nga Maihi and Tikitu, the son of Nukukaitangata, and therefore a fifth generation uri of Taiwhakaea II and Toanatini.  Umutahi and Te Ramaapakura from Te Tawera are included as important pou in Mataatua.

So it is appropriate that our hapu lend their support and tautoko to this auspicious occassion to ensure that the resurrection of this wharenui, an historic event in the story of Ngati Awa, passes with all necessary ritual, formality and inclusion.

Joe Harawira is coordinator of the principal organising committee while Enid Ratahi and Manu Glen head the events committee.  Pouroto Ngaropo is also heavily involved in the organising of the opening.  They are meeting regularly and so if you have any particular questions do not hesitate to contact them directly.