Ko Mita (Mitch) Wilson taku ingoa
Ko Otaki te awa
Ko Katihiku te marae
Ko Ngati Huia te hapu
Ko Ngati Raukawa te iwi
Tehei mauriora

Rau rangatira má, téná koutou, téná koutou katoa,
Tuatahi, me mihi ki te runga rawa, nána nei ngá mea katoa
Tuarua me mihi ki te iwi
Téná koutou, téná koutou, téná tátou katoa

To all people, greetings to you all.
Firstly, let us greet that which is above all else, for all things are from that source.
Secondly, let us greet the people.
Greetings, greetings, greetings to us all.

When I first arrived in Canberra in 1978, there weren't many Kiwis', let alone Maoris living in Canberra.

I was married in Canberra, to another Kiwi from Gore, New Zealand. My children were both born here, and it wasn't until I took my daughter to a Maori Culture performance in Queanbeyan, did I understand the need to pass on my heritage. She was frightened; but enthralled, it was at this moment I thought she should never be scared of her heritage. So together with a few like minded people the New Zealand/Australian Association was formed in 1985.

A culture group was formed out of this association and went on to become Te Rere O Te Tarakakao Culture Club Inc. The culture club was a dream for our children; we wanted them to know their roots, something they should be proud of, and something they should understand. I believe that this was the driving force behind everything that we did then and what we continue to do today.

I was privileged to be president of the club for approximately ten years, something I will always hold dear, and will always continue to support today.

The year 2005 marks the year of Te Rere O Te Tarakakao's 20th Anniversary, and with this brings a huge celebration for past and present members. Registration forms for participation in this event are found on this very page.

Come join us.

No reira e te iwi
Ma te atua koe e manáki e tiaki
i ngá wá katoa

God bless
Mita Wilson