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Family Reunion 2017 - Information
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Overview
Overview
When : 17-19 November 2017
Where : Gisborne (Turanga-nui-a-Kiwa/Turanga)
The primary purpose of this hui is to provide family members the opportunity to meet each other in person rather than through a computer screen as many of us currently do. We will also visit many of our historic/sacred places that will allow whanau to physically reconnect with our spiritual home of Te Tairawhiti (The East Coast); again something many of us have only done through a computer screen.
There are two memorial unveilings planned that pay tribute to our founding family in New Zealand; one for the children of Papa Charles and Taraipine who didn't survive past childhood (at Makaraka Cemetery in Gisborne), and the other for Taraipine herself (at Tolaga Bay).
The hui will involve a history trail (run over Saturday and Sunday) and whanaungatanga (socialising) that can be all done at a leisurely pace provided we get off on the right foot and all arrive at the allocated time and location at the start of each day. This should also allow a bit of free-time in the afternoons for whanau to explore some of the other local attractions of your choice, or to rest up before the planned social gatherings at the end of each day.
Note - Sometimes the only lasting memories of any family reunion are the photos that family members take during the course of the hui, so family are encouraged to snap away but to also be prepared and willing to participate in these when the opportunity arises.
Accommodation For those looking for accommodation, you may stay with friends & family or book accommodation with one of the multitudes of accommodation establishments within Gisborne.. We will be basing our social gatherings at the Gisborne Cossie Club. Gisborne is a rather compact city so transport to and from the Cossie will be less than a 15 min taxi regardless of where you may stay.
Meals - Whether you cook your meals or eat out, the choice is yours. Please keep in mind the scheduled meeting times when planning your breakfasts. The Cossie Club would be a convenient place to have dinner.
Agenda
Agenda
Friday 17th November
Gisborne Cossie Club - For those who arrive on Friday, we will meet up at the Gisborne Cosmopolitan Club from 5pm. There will be a register to sign when you arrive and they will direct you to the upstairs lounge. There maybe a short formal greeting and confirmation of the reunion agenda at some stage, but apart from that, it is very much an informal meet and greet type night. If you have any family pics, stories, queries, new ideas that you would like to share, then this would be a good opportunity to do this. (Family photo opportunities)
Saturday 18th November
Gisborne Cossie Club Carpark - We will assemble at the Cossie Club car park at 8:30am. There is a small amount of time for whanau to arrange vehicles, carpooling and drivers for the day. We depart at 9am.
Makaraka Cemetery, Gisborne - Here we will unveil a memorial for the tamariki of papa Charles and Taraipine. After the service, there will be time for whanau to explore this historic cemetery which includes the memorial to the victims of the Matawhero massacre. Our tipuna Benjamin Mackey has his name inscribed on this. (Family photo opportunities)
Te Arai Urupa, Manutuke - We visit this sacred Rongowhakaata urupa and final resting place of many of out Priestley, Carrington, Waipara, Mackey etc tipuna.
Maori Battalion Marae, Manutuke - The home of our Rongowhakaata iwi. We hope to gain access to the memorial boards that feature our tipuna who served in the World Wars. (Family photo opportunities)
Toko Toru Tapu Church - Next to the marae, is the historic religious centre of Rongowhakaata and famous for its intricate traditional maori cavings within
Taruheru Public Cemetery - The final resting place for many of tipuna who aren't buried at Te Arai. We remember them also.
Lunch Break
47 Cochrane St, Gisborne - We have arranged access with the current home owners (from 2pm), to look around the old family homestead of William and Kate. (Family photo opportunities)
Freetime
Gisborne Cossie Club - (from 5pm) Recap the day, confirm plans for tomorrow, whanaungatanga, dinner. The All Blacks play Scotland this weekend so there may be arrangement made to watch this game somewhere. (Family photo opportunities)
Sunday 19th November
Gisborne Cossie Club Carpark - We will assemble at the Cossie Club car park at 8:30am. There is a small amount of time for whanau to arrange vehicles, carpooling and drivers for the day. We depart at 9am.
Rauwheoro Marae, Tolaga Bay - We should arrive approximately 9:45am will get welcomed on to the marae at 10am by the local people with a short Mihi Whakatau (Formal Speech/Speeches). (Family photo opportunities)
Poututara Urupa, Tolaga Bay - The unveiling of Taraipine's memorial followed by a Haakari (after hui meal) that may consist of a cup of tea. biscuits and/or sandwiches.(Family photo opportunities)
Waihau Bay Beach, Puatai - Site of the original Priestley homestead. (Family photo opportunities)
Whangara - Another of our historic places. The home of our Ancestor Paikea and final resting place for more of our tipuna.
Kirikiriroa Land Block - Site of the family old family photo with Kate and William outside their whare
Freetime
Gisborne Cossie Club - We wind up the reunion with a final get-together. (Family photo opportunities)
For those heading home at this point, we will say our farewells however for those that are keen to carry on, you are free to go and do whatever you like.
Monday 20th November
Some of the out-of- towners may choose to stay on and spend a day or two more in the River City, and make the most of their long trip here.
Other Places of Interest
Other Places of Interest
Some of the other interesting places you may like to visit while in Gisborne may include:
Home for the C Company collection. A permanent gallery for C Company houses and displays the history of the C Company. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 12-3pm excluding public holidays.
alongside C Company Memorial House, it has a reputation as one of the best museums in New Zealand.
Cook Landing Site Historic Reserve
A large monument marks the arrival of Capt James Cook in 1769. This site is item number 8 on the History of New Zealand in 100 Places list.
Enjoy the breathtaking views over Gisborne and the stunning sweep of Poverty Bay.
A safe and popular swimming beach. It has a playground, tennis courts, cycle and walkway
What a blast! Bring a boogie board, tube or blowup mattress and slide down this awesome natural water-slide. Recommend a wet-suit or clothes you don't mind getting wet because if you come off there is risk of scraps and bruises.
Don't forget to get your Gisborne souvenirs. Best places to shop for souvenir clothing would include Art Fun Wear and Rona Fashionland.
Hui History Trail
Hui History Trail
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