BRIAN Hanna explains the history of the Legends project
A CEREMONY at 2pm today on Rora St, Te Kūiti marked the unveiling of six plinths dedicated to local legends: Dame Rangimarie Hetet, Les Munro, Jim Bolger, Koro Wetere, Colin Meads and David Fagan.
Around 100 locals turned out to acknowledge the historic occasion, with family members representing those legends who had passed on.
The legends had been selected for the significant contributions they made to the community of Te Kūiti, as well as to New Zealand more broadly.
They had made their mark in a range of fields, from weaving, sports, the Air Force, politics and shearing.
The plinths, which include information about the lives and contributions of those being recognised, now line Rora St at the southern end, next to the railway line and opposite Tiffany’s café.
It is expected that they will provide a drawcard for visitors to the town, alongside the current statue of All Black Colin Meads.
Te Miri Tamaki gave the karanga, followed by a blessing from matua King Turner on behalf of Ngāti Rora.
Speakers including former mayor Brian Hanna, who gave the history of the Legends Gallery project.
Current mayor John Robertson and MP Barbara Kuriger followed – the latter commented that it was only today that she could speak of herself as ‘representing the government.’
Unveiling his own plinth, former Prime Minister Jim Bolger took the opportunity to express his disapproval of the proposed Waitangi referendum; he said that having signed it in 1840, it was well and truly time to move on.
The ceremony was organised by Legendary Te Kūiti, including Jo Meads and Janene New, who was sadly unable to be there due to family reasons.
