“ Nau mai haere mai” I said, for the first time.
It was a privilege to be asked to present Brainfit to the Tuwharetoa Health Charitable Trust.
(Kahui Pakeke, written on their uniforms was given to me as ” a cluster of elders”)
The Kaumatua participants were very interactive, with a lot of comments, questions and anecdotes throughout. They obviously found it real, interesting and relevant.
Did you know that they see dementia as ware ware – forgetting?
It’s so much kinder than the stigma that pakeha attach to mental health.
I was invited to share kai afterwards, which was very welcome – lots of home-made goodies!
Then the fun started. The ladies got talking about an upcoming trip to Rotorua, where they would be singing.
Now, I’ve been singing forever: after 20 years with the Auckland Adelines, I even know a few songs in Maori. So I asked if they could sing something for me. One lady happened to have a ukelele, another produced a guitar, a third picked up two spoons to play, and they were off!
Wow, it was the best!
Being immersed in Kapa Haka was really moving. And then to be able to join in with the harmonies and improvisations of this amazing group.
They were marvellous, so kind, generous and welcoming. I asked if it was alright to share this on Facebook and they all agreed.
One of the best presentations I’ve ever done and certainly one to remember!
Article submitted by Bobbie Bryce. January, 2023.
