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Church kneelers
In 1997, members of the Rangiātea Ladies' Guild are
working on a project to make tapestry kneelers for the planned
replica of Rangiātea.
The project, which is coordinated by Mrs Louise Carkeek for
the Rangiātea Church Vestry, is part of a programme to
replace those kneelers which were lost in the fire. Each of
the kneelers is bordered by the mangōpare design,
which symbolises power and prestige.
The Rangiātea Church tapestry was crafted by Noelene
Wesney and the Arms of Rangiātea tapestry by Marie Hākaraia.
The design for the Arms of Rangiātea was created by Inia
Te Wiata.
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A New Beginning
At the emotional memorial service, attended by thousands, only
hours after the destruction of Rangiātea, the assembled tribes
pledged that Rangiātea would once again stand: 'we will build
a replica'. It has been this view which has prevailed since the
church's tragic loss, and become the will of the people.
The draft plans for the replica of Rangiātea represent the
beginning of a new era for the peoples of Rangiātea. The plans
are the result of a special partnership between three talented architects:
father and son Bill and Perry Royal (Ngāti Kikopiri), and friend
and fellow kinsman Rewi Thompson (Ngāti Ngārongo). Bill
Royal is also the project manager responsible for overseeing the
entire project through to its completion.
The final architectual drawings are expected to be completed by
May 1997, after which tenders will be sought for the actual construction
of the new church. It is hoped that all the work will eventually
be tended to descendants of the three iwi, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti
Toa, and Te Āti Awa, in keeping with the the tradition of the
church.
Ngākeiha Hammond, Moetaatua Turoa, Sonia Snowden, and Mark
Wilson have coordinated dedicated teams in preparation for the intricate
interior design work. Strips of kiekie and kakaho reeds have already
been collected and prepared for use in the new tukutuku panels.
The huge tōtara needed for the rebuilding have been sourced,
and plans are being made for the transportation of the massive logs,
many of which are too big for conventional road cartage.
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Te Rōpū Whakahaere o
Rangiātea [Rangiātea vestry] 1995
Te Rōpū Whakahaere o Rangiātea is a voluntary body,
representative of the confederated tribes of Ngāti Raukawa,
Ngāti Toa and Te Āti Awa.
From left:
Back row: Wally Withell (treasurer), The Bishop Hāpai Winiata,
Mere Hāwea, Andre Baker (chairman), Sylvia Rutherfurd, Gaals
Raika, Dolly Rikihana, Gary Millan.
Middle row: Netta Wilson, Jo Winiata, Margaret Davis, Marie Hākaraia,
the Reverend Hira Royal, Tānia Kennedy (former secretary),
John Moffatt.
Front row, kneeling: Nannette Wilson (secretary), Marg Withell,
Miri Moore, Maryanne Wilson.
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![Te Ropu Whakahaere o Rangiatea [Rangiatea vestry] 1995](images/Vestry1.jpg)
