“Ko Whāngārā te pūtahitanga o te tangata, Ko Whāngārā te pūtahitanga o te kōrero” is a statement that encapsulates the core values of Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti as they take the stage this evening at the Gisborne Events Centre in Houhoupiko.
Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti was first established in 1961 and under the guidance of Derek Lardelli and his support team will be led on stage today by male leaders Te Waata Tamepo and Ora Kihi, as well as female leader Lavinia Winiata.
The group has chosen to share their Whakaeke (entrance item) composed by Derek Lardelli, titled Whakarongo which acknowledges the ancestor Tamararo.