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| KIA TAPATAHI |
| KIA KOTAHI RA |
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| PUAWAI AROHA BLOSSUM OF LOVE (Established in 1996) |
| BACKGROUND "Puawai Aroha" means Flower, Blossom or Fruits of Love and it was established in November 1996 by Harry & Lucy Thompson and Lea Bain. Tuhi Pearson, Margaret and Victoria Macgregor joined in early 1997 and made up the full compliment of the group. The name Flower of love was suggested by Colin Bain but the group later adopted Blossom as a blossom blooms before it flowers then fruits. The original costume was designed by Harry and interpreted as: the white stands for love and peace, the blue representing the heavens and the seas, the yellow refers to the North Queensland sunshine, the black Y standing for all New Zealand people living in Australia, the 4 black squares in the center is the spiritual winds, the black base meaning the Aboriginals land and finally the black on the shoulder straps representing the mana of our ancestors from the past. This costume design was officially bless by the late Aboriginal elder Mr Monty Pryor and Kaumaatua Watti Hemara in early 1997. The group was developed to maintain and promote their Maori culture through song and dance performances for Maori & New Zealand people born and raised in Australia. Also, for people who have arrived from New Zealand and are looking to maintain their cultural heritage. The group also is proud to display their culture to the wider community through exhibitions at schools and cultural festivals. With the loss of Tuhi (returned to NZ), Lea (moved to Kununurra) and Margret and Vicky (other commitments) Harry and Lucy have kept the group going. The group has performed at many venues and festivals throughout north Queensland. Their extensive involvement with the Migrant Resource Center annual cultural festival has made a considerable mark on the quality and diversity of cultural performances during this festival. The group is proud to perform for Charitable organizations including Nursing Homes, Church Groups, and other non-profit organizations.They have also perform for RSL Clubs, Bowls Clubs, Schools, Weddings & 21st and other social functions throughout North Queensland. The have also performed in many festivals including: Magnetic Island Festival, Lions Mango Festival, Palmer Street Festival, Holiday and Travel Show, Italian Festival also travelling to Mt Isa, Cairns and Brisbane to perform. During the year 2000 the group became inactive and wound its performances down. With members battling cancer the group continued to meet on a weekly base giving support to each while continuing to maitain their cultural heritage. Their only public performances were the Townsville Cultural Festival in 2001 and 2002. April 2003 the group Puawai Aroha and a contingent of New Zealanders and Australians were part or the first "RELAY FOR LIFE" held in Townsville. Puawai Aroha has since entered into every Relay for Life event supporting the cause during 18 hours of continuous relay fun. The group has loss 5 members who after long battles, have succumbed to this illness however they continue to support their friends and families actively raising funds for this event. Warmest Regards. Wharetaka (Harry) |