Ngati Ranana and Kohanga Reo Visit Hinemihi

In May 2015 a group from Ngati Ranana and Kohanga Reo went to pay their respects to Hinemihi and devastated Clandon House.  Below is an account of Esther Jessop's, Hon. President Ngati Ranana, account of that day.

Tena koutou

The fire which gutted Clandon House has been a very tragic happening.
Yesterday a group of us, including our lovely tamariki spent precious time on the lawn between the House and Hinemihi. With karanga, karakia and himene we called and talked to our tiipuna who gave us those taonga now lost in the fire, along with the Onslow Family treasures.
A beautiful day, blue sky, gentle breeze; and even though the occasion was sombre, we sang and laughed and exchanged stories about what The House and Hinemihi means to many of us.
Claire Nodder spoke about the positive approach the National Trust has in 'building' the House up again; and we as a roopu offered our support.

The shell of the House stands proud, just as Hinemihi - who survived this fire and the Tarawera eruption - stands proud. I imagined - even perhaps felt?? - the wairua of support flowing between them and was reminded of a whakatauaki from my growing-up days in Torere:
Poutu, Pouhinga. Pouhinga, Poutu; Tu Tonu!
You stand, You may fall. You may lie, You stand again; Keep on standing!

Thanks to all who could make it (and the lovely messages from those who couldn't). Thanks too for posts and pics already gone out. xxx