Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More

Art & Entertainment | Book Reviews | Education | Entertainment Video | Health | Lifestyle | Sport | Sport Video | Search

 

90th Birthday of Last Maori Prophet

MEDIA RELEASE

90TH BIRTHDAY OF LAST MAORI PROPHET

ALEXANDER PHILLIPS CBE, QSM, Esq


On August 10-12, the supporters of Alexander Phillips will unite to celebrate his 90th birthday at Mana Ariki. Over 5,000 of his followers are expected to attend, traveling from all over NZ and from around the world. Alexander Phillips is the founder of Te Kotahitanga Building Society Incorporated which was officially set up in 1961.

Alexander Phillips had a special birth. When his mother Pareuira became pregnant, she carried twins in her womb for 12 months giving birth on the 14th August 1917.

They were christened with the names Tau (12 months) and Te Ao (the world). Tau was born embracing his brother Te Ao, who was curled up like a crystal ball. Unfortunately, Te Ao was delivered still born, but Tau survived.

Tohunga, Te Ao Tangata prophesied that one day the surviving boy would do great things, and that he was a gift from God to the people.

His thoughts were only for the people and he urged them to unite themselves under the power of the Father, Mother, Son, Holy Spirit and Their Faithful Angels.

The beginning of Mr Phillips work centred around bringing relief to the sick and suffering while at the same time carrying on the work to rid the country of makutu (black magic) left by the Maori ancestors.


Reports of his miraculous and wondrous achievements circulated amongst the people and elders in particular came from near and far to visit with the man who they knew as the one prophesied to come to complete the Spiritual work. The longer he worked the greater the demands that were placed upon him and within a very short space of time a dedicated following of elders who wished to assist him had assembled.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

In 1961 the Kotahitanga Building Society (Inc) came into being representing the Unity of all people under the Grace of God.
Mr Phillips later returned to his family estate at Taumarunui to build the renowned Manu Ariki Marae where his work for Te Kotahitanga Building Society grew immensely. In 1975, Mr Phillips began his building projects which have since flourished to the present date.
* Te Ngira o Te Ao (Mother) was unveiled in March 1982
* Te Kura Wananga (school of sacred knowledge) was completed in 1993
* Te Whetu Marama (temple) was opened in February 1993
* Te Paremata O Te Atua (God’s Parliament) was opened in February 1997
* Te Runanga Tapu o Te Rohe Potae (Beehive) was opened in January 2000
* Unveiling of the Rock Bethel (God’s House) May 2007
* Other buildings include a gymnasium, a museum, a permanent haka stage and the longest miniature train track in the southern hemisphere.
Recipient of the Queens Service Medal (QSM) in 1986 and in June 1995 Mr. Phillips was awarded Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for services rendered in helping the Maori people.
After more than 64 years of service devoted to the people, the supporters of Alexander Phillips will gather to celebrate in the special 90th Birthday celebrations. As part of the birthday the Prophet is expected to deliver a special spiritual message to those in attendance. A celebration of the Life of a Prophet and the work achieved in his life-time.

For more information on the Maori Prophet, Alexander Phillips, you may wish to visit the official website of Mana Ariki, www.mana-ariki.com.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.