Patea loses its lovely Nanny

Patea is in mourning, with the death of "Nanny Hui" – the signature voice behind one of Taranaki's greatest cultural exports. Maggie Tiahuia Kahu, best known for her work as the vocalist and poi soloist for the Patea Maori Club, died yesterday at her home, aged 73. She was raised in Waitotara but moved to Patea to be with the love of her life, Ngaonepu Huka Kahukuranui, and began a celebrated career in education. Mrs Kahu shot to fame as the leader of the Patea Maori Club when the late Dalvanius Prime's iconic song Poi-E took New Zealand – and beyond – by storm. But those close to her say she would be remembered as a woman of great strength and tremendous compassion. Grandson Tauke King said thanks to "Uncle Dal" generations would still get a chance to hear her sing. "Without his legacy we wouldn't have a chance to have our Nanny's voice live on forever," he said. "Even though she's passed away we can just flick on the radio, listen to Poi-E, and she's there." Mr King said she would push others toward greatness while standing back from the limelight. "Even though she was known as the lady who fronts `that song' she would always push others to the front," he said. Mr King said during her teaching career, both at Patea Primary School and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Ngati Ruanui, she helped shaped thousands of young Taranaki minds. Mrs Kahu taught at the kura from 1999 to 2007 and principal Mama Kumeroa said she had been a huge inspiration to the children. "We see her performing through all of the children today through her influence and mentoring, and we will continue to see that for years to come. "She had her grandkids, but if you weren't her grandchild, you still felt like one." Nephew Archie Hurunui said his aunt was a calm and measured woman, but you knew exactly when you were in trouble. "How did you know that? By body language." Fellow Patea Maori Club member Topsy Gardner said Taranaki and indeed all of New Zealand had lost a true friend. "She had a wonderful voice. So lovely. "She would welcome you into her house; it didn't matter who you are or where you came from." Mrs Kahu is survived by her husband, 11 children, 28 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She will be lying at Wai-o Turi Marae until her tangi on April 30. Poi-E voice lost HANNAH FLEMING AND LAIRD HARPER Last updated 05:00 28/04/2012 - © Fairfax NZ News http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQLUygS0IAQ&feature=player_embedded#!

Kapa haka captivates Hawera audience LAIRD HARPER

Kapa haka fever gripped Hawera on Saturday as 10 Taranaki, Whanganui and Ratana teams came together for their biennial regional competition. Whether it was the slow, haunting sound of Whanganui's Te Taikura o Te Awa Tupua or the thunderous power of Waitara based Nga Purapura o Te Taihauauru, the more than 1800 spectators were treated to tribal warfare like no other. Taranaki's four teams took advantage of their home ground as the TSB Hub shook to the sound of hundreds of supporters trying to sway the judges. Each team was given 30 minutes to impress with song, poi and haka. However, it was returning regional champions Te Reanga Morehu o Ratana who reclaimed their title ahead of Whanganui's Te Matapihi and Nga Purapura o Te Taihauauru. All three groups will now compete at next year's national Te Matatini event in Rotorua, representing an area from Mokau to Ratana. Co-organiser and performer for hosts Tahupotiki mai Taranaki Matongtonga (Hawera), Phil King, said the judges assessed choreography, language and apparel that was true to each area. He said although the final financial figures were yet to assessed, with more than 1800 people through the door he was sure the ledger would be in the black. Yet it was a bittersweet time for his team as their performance was about honouring the memory of their "Nanny Hui". Maggie Tiahuia Kahu, best known for her work as the vocalist and poi soloist for the Patea Maori Club, was one of two key members who died late last month. Sylvia Turama Kershaw, also a staunch member of Aotea Utanganui, died aged 72. With their team made up of Mrs Kahu's family, Mr King said they focused on "getting it right" rather than winning. "It has been a difficult time for all of us," he said."We came fourth and we are proud of that." In a stirring final performance, the Patea Maori Club sang some of their classics. Ad Feedback - © Fairfax NZ News Last updated 05:00 21/05/2012

Farewell to group member

South Taranaki Maori gathered to farewell another key member of the Patea Maori Club yesterday. Sylvia Turama Kershaw died at home last Friday, aged 72. Mairini Kershaw said her aunty Sylvia, who embodied the spirit of discipline and pride, would be remembered for her unflinching support of her whanau, iwi and hapu. "She was bossy, grumpy and grouchy because she was the boss," she said. A staunch member of the Patea Maori Club, Aotea Utanganui and the Pariroa Marae, she made sure her opinions were heard but thrust others into the limelight. Born and raised in Kakaramea, Miss Kershaw was the second eldest of 14 children and grew up fast when her parents died. Aaron Kershaw said his sister took on the role of their mother but never had any children of her own. Mr Kershaw said she never married because of her dedication to the family and overzealous protection from her brothers. "When she brought boyfriends home we chased them away," he said. After a 40-year career working as a telephone exchange operator first in Patea and then Auckland, she returned to South Taranaki to be close to family. Fellow club member Maggie Tiahuia Kahu, best known for her work as the vocalist and poi soloist on the hit song Poi-E, also died last Friday and was laid to rest yesterday after her tangi at Wai-o Turi Marae. Ad Feedback - © Fairfax NZ News AIRD HARPER Last updated 05:00 01/05/2012

Hawera eatery to people's taste JARED SMITH

Hawera eatery to people's taste JARED SMITH Last updated 05:00 12/07/2012 They may not be as well known as some of the top New Plymouth or coastal restaurants, but a Hawera eatery is pleased to be Taranaki's people's choice. Beef and Lamb New Zealand has announced that II Chefs Restaurant won the Taranaki People's Choice Award for its beef and lamb cuisine. In June more than 400 diners filled out sheets rating and commenting on the beef/lamb dishes in Taranaki's top restaurants, using a 1-5 scale. II Chefs sent in 120 entries, with people rating them the best. Owner and chef Mark Hayman said he and fellow chef Nick Meynell were delighted to get the recognition "from little old Hawera". "It's not what we're here for, it's just nice to be recognised for what we do." The competition was restricted to those restaurants who already held Beef & Lamb Excellence awards, of which II Chefs has four. "Another gold plate. There's a few up there now," Mr Hayman said. He said with three cooks in the kitchen each night, they had hoped to be judged on their signature dishes as the menu is split in two between those and a more "price conscious" list. Beef & Lamb spokeswoman Jennie Dean said the diners loved the competition. "Not only were they eager to score their favourite beef or lamb dish very highly, some of the comments received were outstanding. "One diner described their meal at II Chefs Restaurant as `great food, excellent service and ambience – a lovely evening'." Ad Feedback - © Fairfax NZ News Last updated 05:00 12/07/2012

Nyman worked hard for Maori LAIRD HARPER AND JARED SMITH

A third key figure in the Patea Maori Club has died. John Nyman, best known for his work as a driving force behind the club, died on Tuesday, aged 58. Fellow club members Maggie Tiahuia Kahu, best known for her work as the vocalist and poi soloist on the hit song Poi-E, and Sylvia Turama Kershaw died in May. Raised in Whanganui, Mr Nyman moved to Patea in the 1980s after a 10-year career in the navy. When the Patea Freezing Works closed he, along with many others, found himself out of work and looking for direction. He became a member of the Patea Maori Club and when Poi E hit the airwaves he found his place in the world. Mr Nyman eventually became chairman of the club, as well as taking up various leadership roles on the Aotea Maori Performing Arts committee. Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia paid tribute to her friend. "We will miss him greatly," she said. "John gave so willingly of his knowledge to forums such as the Waitangi Tribunal, as he gave insights into the traditional history of Ngati Ruanui, and provided leadership in his trusteeship of Okahu Inuawai for Nga Hapu o Ngaruahine Inc. "His support for initiatives such as Ko te reo te mauri and Taranaki Tu Mai Festival has helped to keep our language and culture at the forefront of our identity." Sister, Ngaraina Brooks, said he was her sounding board. "As the eldest son he took over the responsibilities when our father passed on in representing our family at various functions," she said. "As a man, very approachable, very knowledgeable. "A very loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, work colleague." Mr Nyman is survived by his wife, three daughters and adopted son, and many mokopuna (grandchildren). He will be lying at Aotearoa Marae until his funeral service on Saturday. - © Fairfax NZ News Last updated 05:00 12/07/2012

Stone dedicated to former buildings PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR

The loss one of Hawera's major historic buildings was marked last week with the installation of a commemorative stone. South Taranaki Mayor Ross Dunlop says it is important to mark the day in the region's history. Mr Dunlop says he was particularly sad to see the main administration building pulled down. But realistically it couldn't have been prevented. "I love old buildings and history. I realised that to bring it up to today's standards was beyond any individual." The building was demolished earlier this year after concerns were raised about the safety threat posed to the public by the derelict building. Located at Southcare, the large concrete slab houses the two original foundation stones from Hawera Hospital, laid by then Health Minister, Sir Maui Pomare, in 1925. It also contains the foundation stones of the second Hawera Hospital, laid in 1966. The current Hawera Hospital was opened in 2002. The old hospital was empty but maintained by the Taranaki District Health Board until around 2007 when it started to fall into disrepair. Sir Maui's family travelled from Wellington to attend the blessing of the new stone site and his great-granddaughter, Miria Pomare, spoke on behalf of the family. "It was really important for us to be here," she says. "We think it's really important for the people of Taranaki and the people of our country to celebrate this occasion." The former hospital site has now been turned into farmland. Last updated 09:31 05/07/2012

Banners to brighten up Victoria Park PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR

Kaponga's Victoria Park will be awash with colour when community banners are installed on the sidelines later this year. A project initiated by the Kaponga Progressive Society and helped by South Taranaki District Council arts co-ordinator Michaela Stoneman will see several new banners flying in the area soon. It is the second attempt at the project, which started when banners were first installed in March 2009. In September 2009, the banners were damaged during a severe storm, she says. Funding was gained from South Taranaki Creative Communities to buy supplies to paint new banners. Mrs Stoneman says the new banners will be up as long as the weather permits and may be removed before next winter for protection. The six double-sided banners will feature 12 painted designs created by students from Kaponga Primary, Kaponga St Patrick's, Auroa and Eltham Primary Schools as well as Kaponga Playcentre. "Two more designs will be created in the school holidays at Kapona LibraryPlus and ETown, a youth and development service in Eltham," she says. "The designs represent the identity and spirit of the Kaponga community and the surrounding South Taranaki environment." Community members are invited to head down to the Kaponga LibraryPlus today from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. The public artworks are scheduled to be installed on poles at Victoria Park in August. Last updated 09:40 12/07/2012

It's a Sallie-bration- 125 years in Hawera

Sunday street parades are a thing of the past but the Salvation Army continues to flourish in Hawera, where it celebrates 125 years this month. What started in a small mart in 1887 has grown into a steady congregation of 50 to 100 worshippers each week. Song is still a huge part of each service, although the delivery of that has changed too, says auxiliary captain Rob Gardiner, of Hawera. "In those days they had the brass band that entertained people," he says. "The service was [performed by] the brass band. Today, of course, we use piano and guitar and drums and violin and YouTube. The songs are more contemporary but the message is still given." The message next weekend is clear – "celebrate with us". The programme starts on Saturday, July 21, at 11am, with a mix-and-mingle event combined with a memorabilia display. At 2.30pm there will be a powerpoint presentation of old photographs and the corps history followed by a private invitation-only dinner. The 10am Sunday morning worship is, as always, open to the public and is followed by a concert by the Tauranga Corps Band. Salvation Army member Graeme Bateman says the movement's evolution has required a few location changes over the years. After outgrowing the mart, it moved to a workshop, then, in 1912, to a hall on Victoria St, its first permanent home in the town. In 1999 it relocated to its current Regent St premises. The Salvation Army has been involved in many community initiatives over the years, including the creation of an employment project in the 1970s, which is still running. "A very big work skills programme was set up in Hawera, and for 10 to 15 years the Salvation Army would have been the main provider in the town," he says. There were modules run in almost every major area of employment. Mr Bateman says the Salvation Army also offers a foodbank service. All the weekend events will be held at Regent St. - © Fairfax NZ News It's a Sallie-bration- 125 years in Hawera PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR Last updated 09:23 12/07/2012 Hawera Salvation Army captain Rob Gardiner and member Graeme Bateman with the movement's flag. http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/south-taranaki-star/7266004/Its-a-Sallie-bration-125-years-in-Hawera