Ngaruawahia High School Yearbooks 2010-2012 Kapa Haka Tour of Western USA 1998 | Page 25

Ngaruawahia High School Kapa Haka USA Tour 1998 - Page 23

A very solemn and emotional time was
spent at the graveside of Waiata Kingi at
Whâtâpaka Marae, west of Papakura. Waiata was
an original member of the travel group before she
died through an accident on her home marae.
Flowers from the group and individual
posies were placed on the grave by members of
the group and a waiata was sung.
The overcast weather saw a break in the
clouds and the sun shine through onto the hilltop
where the grave was during the service. The
clouds closed in again and the showers swept in
once the group had departed back to the marae.

The marae members fed the group and
provided a koha for the travellers. This part of the
trip was emotionally highly charged as the group
members remembered one of their own.
Shortly before 6:00pm the bus carried on to
the Auckland International Airport where there
were 48 travel bags unloaded and processed for
us by representatives of the House of Travel.
The time prior to leaving was spent with
family, eating, exploring the complex and just
gossiping. Al Duane Ngakuru used up some of
his energy by competing against the escalators
and marking time halfway up (or down)!

Kameta Puke, Lalita Hari, Kotiro Turner and Casey Mia Hawkins have Tutereinga Holland at their feet at the
Auckland International Airport.

Robin Roa, Casey Mia Hawkins, Te Waiti Walker, Pare Paki, Kura Walker, Maera Paki and Wynel Te Wiata wait
in the airport group departure lounge as all the luggage is processed.