Kahui Wahine -a Polynesian and Pakeha perspective

Through the generous invitation of Kahui Wahine, three women from the Anglican Women’s Studies Council shared four intense, educational and fascinating days, with about 150 members of Kahui Wahine, from all parts of  the motu. https://www.kahuiwahine.com/

Starting at St Faith’s, Ohinemutu. Rotorua, in intermittent rain, we were welcomed into the beautiful church on Lake Rotorua, with speeches and song, in a magnificent powhiri, followed by a meal in Te Ao Marama Hall .

Singing, story telling and sharing delicious meals were constant themes of the Hui, along with great conversations and connections.

To the gathering, from Polynesia, came Kelera Oli from Fiji, and Quandolita Reid Enari from Samoa, along with AWSC administrator, Ceridwyn Parr, from Cambridge, NZ.

Former Councillors, the Revd Val Riches, and the  Revd Ruihana Paenga plus Link representative Heather Riches kept us company. The Revd Bettina Maxwell, who is also a Councillor, was very busy as one of the amazing organisers.

AWSC was able to also fund the travel from Samoa for Bolivia Smith, who brought to the Hui her extensive experience as a younger woman in the church.

(back row: Ceridwyn, Heather, Quandolita, Bolivia Front: Val, Bettina, Ruihana)

Kelera Oli, Convenor of AWSC writes

We were very grateful for the generous invitation to be part of this Hui. We felt included in the program instead of outsiders or visitors.

I learnt a lot at this event and also enjoyed the “excursion”. For me, there were several learning points, including the following.

1.      The plight of indigenous people in the ambit of the church which was theologically presented, was a learning for me. Using theology (Biblical reference) to elevate indigenous rights and gender issues is a grey area for women in the Pacific especially in Fiji’s Anglican context.

2.      Projects that have been developed by indigenous communities and people that are thriving to help indigenous people as the example for the health services that was presented. This is an area which we can recommend for the church to support in reducing poverty or dependency for indigenous populations and for women in these populations.

3.      Protecting and promoting their culture, traditions/customs and language was obvious and this is something that’s eroding in Pacific societies and families. Our churches have integrated English prayer books that are commonly used in churches with mixed ethnicities. (I was grateful that they considered the presence of other groups and there were English sessions included).

4.      Inclusivity – of different social backgrounds and age and the support from the menfolk including the Archbishop was another significant area that we in Polynesia could learn from.

photo: Kelera Oli and Ceridwyn Parr at Gate Pa, Tauranga)

 On Friday we heard of the very sad news of the death of King Tuheitia. Archbishop Don recalled his warm friendship with the King. Many prayers were said, with singing of laments. Some people left immediately for Turangawaewae, and others left over the next few days for his tangi.

 As manuhiri at the Hui, we were very moved by the expression of deep connection to the Kingitanga- this loss coloured much of the rest of the time.

It was such a privilege to hear the Revd Minnie Pouwhare tell of growing up in te Hahi Mihinare, and to hear the tragic stories of Rangiaowhia and Hiona St Stephens, told so passionately by women with strong family links and living realities of whakapapa.

Tureiti, Lady Moxon, shone a light on present day political and social realities , as she described the establishment of a Health Centre in a poorer area of Hamilton. She revealed the sombre data of Maori and indigenous health statistics, while demonstrating how a committed group of people can bring about significant change in a community.

Te Papa, The Elms The intermittent rain of Thursday turned into serious downpours on Saturday, as we travelled to Tauranga. Our bus group was fortunate to have Cherryl Thompson narrate the history of the landscape we drove through, setting the scene for the story of  Alfred and Charlotte Brown in the early days of the CMS mission,  in the years before the land wars.

 In spite of huge umbrellas banging into each other, our groups of eager pilgrims soaked up the opportunity to explore the beautifully restored house, buildings and gardens of te Papa, The Elms.

We were entranced by the second family to live in the Elms, Euphemia and her daughters Alice and Edith- wahine toa indeed!

Another wahine toa was Heeni Te Kiri Karamu of Pukehinahina.

The Revd Vicki Tamati read part of her story, in front of a contemporary window. We heard the tale of the battle of Gate Pa, while we sat in the beautiful little wooden church, high on the hill, the very place where the battle took place.

Back at the Millenium, we fast forwarded to the present with some feisty and futuristic rangatahi challenging us with their views on young people and the church

Gate Pa church

Then it was time to get glammed up for a wonderful evening of presentations, feasting and dancing.

Sunday came, and it was time for a handover of the Banner and farewells. 

But first we shared in a Eucharist , entirely led by women- a meaningful and very appropriate way to end an excellent Hui.

Our group was very appreciative of the comfortable rooms at the Millenium, in spite of the early starts!! We loved being part of the Eucharists and prayers in te reo, and taking part in the wananga and discussion groups, thus enlarging our understandings, and giving us a wider perspective on our three tikanga church. This is very important for AWSC as a three tikanga body, and will greatly enrich our mission.With heartfelt thanks, and prayers for the future flourishing of Kahui Wahine

Nga mihinui.

Report written by Kelera Oli and Ceridwyn Parr

More photos here

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