CI Times Weekly | Current Issue 255 | 16 June 2008
Dinner for the Woman of the Month
Actually, it turned out to be a village occasion with Papa and Mama Orometua from Ngatangiia CICC coming in support as well as two church deacons including Papa Porinae Emile and wife.
The Maoate sisters, Pauline and Tina were there as were Avana ladies, Mama Rake Browne, Mama Ngatangiia Kimiangatau and Thea Pypers who is a close neighbour and friend of Mama’s. Mama Tangi was quite overwhelmed by all the attention including the prizes from the WOM executive and all the accolades heaped upon her by well wishers at the dinner. During her speech of thanks, Mama Tangi said she had no idea who had nominated her, Tina put her hand up and told me later the nomination had been on behalf of the Girl Guides of Ngatangiia.
Representatives of the major sponsors were on hand for Mama with the BCI general manager there to personally present her with a cheque and tell her that her photo will be hung in the BCI hall of fame, courtesy of Fuji Image. The bouquet of flowers from the MOW executive committee was presented as well as a huge variety of gifts and prizes including her Bergman and Sons pendant, and pareu and necklace from Mrs Quarter who took Mama on to the floor to dance in celebration of her award. Later Mama remarked that this is the first time she had danced for many years there not being much call for that as the Tauturu Orometua Vaine.
After a final photograph with all the Ngatangiia well wishers, Mama and the grandchildren made their way home to tell her loving husband, Tauturu Orometua, Papa Kapu Joseph all about her award night celebrations held at the Aquarius hotel.