Te Aute College Honours Maori Leaders

MEDIA STATEMENT
September 23, 2009

Te Aute College Honours Maori Leaders

Some of New Zealand’s outstanding Maori men will be honoured when the first ever Te Aute Leaders 1st XV is inducted into a Hall of Honour at a ceremony to be held at Te Papa Museum in Wellington on October 14.

Te Aute College in the central Hawkes Bay has been at the forefront of secondary boarding school education for Maori boys since 1854 and has an unrivalled reputation for producing some of Maoridom’s finest leaders including 28th Maori Battalion soldiers, politicians, tribal leaders, bishops, entertainers, artists and sports stars.

The Te Aute Leaders 1st XV event is being held to acknowledge and promote the school’s role in shaping these prominent leaders and has the support of the college’s Board of Trustees, says Board Chair, John Tangaere.

“Ever since we heard of the idea to name a 1st XV of Te Aute leaders, we have been totally supportive of the initiative. Te Aute College has been instrumental in molding and shaping some of Maoridom’s finest leaders and it is fitting that we acknowledge those who are still with us.”

The Te Aute Leaders 1st XV celebratory ceremony and dinner at Te Papa Museum is being championed by a group of conveners made up of Te Aute College old boys and a parent. Spokesperson Te Anga Nathan says the idea has taken off and excitement is growing with less than a month to go before the naming of the inaugural 1st XV.

“Te Aute College is renowned for 20th century leaders like Sir Apirana Ngata, Sir Maui Pomare and Te Rangihiroa but our research has unearthed a whole raft of leaders who have played significant roles in Maori development in all fields in the 21st century.”

Tickets can be purchased at www.teauteleaders.com.
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