Dec 05 - Maori Queen sails on TE MANA
On Wednesday 14 December TE MANA had a special guest aboard. Te Arikinui Dame Te Ata-i-rangikaahu, ONZ, DBE, the Maori Queen, visited the frigate she launched in 1997, and commissioned in 1999, to spend a day sailing on the Hauraki Gulf as the guest of Maritime Component Commander Commodore J.R. Steer.
The party included Dame Te Ata's husband Mr Whetumoana, kaumatua Mr. Anaru Thompson and his wife, kuia Mrs Hine Thompson and kuia Lady Raiha Mahuta. Among those welcoming Dame Te Ata and her party were RNZN kaumatua Mr. Bert McLean and his wife, Mrs. Val McLean, and RNZN kuia Mrs. Ani Kingi.
Ceremonies included a karanga delivered by Ani Kingi, a haka powhiri from TE MANA's kapahaka group and formal addresses between RNZN representatives and their guests. TE MANA's Commanding Officer, Commander Wilson Trumper, formally welcomed the Queen's party before sailing.
After a day on the Gulf, Dame Te Ata's party was formally farewelled in songs ('Taku Rakau e' and 'ka Waiata') and speeches, with kaumatua Bert Mclean delivering the final korero whakamutunga.
