A powhiri at Blackpool marae held last weekend to celebrate Green list MP Denise Roche’s parliamentary debut turned out to be an emotional affair.

Wearing a korowai (feathered cloak) gifted to the Green Party for ceremonial occasions by a wellwisher in Auckland, the new politician led islanders onto the marae for the ceremony led by kaumata Wally Manahi and committee members Paora Te Rangiuaia and Huhanna Davis.

In a touching moment, Ms Roche turned to long time resident Julia Meek and asked her to walk alongside at the head of the procession.

The 45-minute outdoor ceremony, attended by around 50 people and fellow Green MPs Steffan Browning, David Clendon and soon-to-be Waiheke resident Kennedy Graham, was followed in the meeting house by an hour of tributes.

They included words of praise and advice from ex-Labour MP Sandra Lee who, like Ms Roche, had entered parliament after working as a local government councillor.

“When I went to parliament in 1993,” Ms Lee said, “we were told it was the ‘last chance’ decade. This land is running on empty now and we need a new sense of urgency. 

“It’s clear the majority of New Zealanders simply do not want to see our precious soil sold and lose so much control over the environment and its destiny.

“I know you’ll be representing frustrated people throughout New Zealand, as well as the world, whose voices cannot be heard.

Denise asks Julia Meek to walk with her at the front of the women.

The meeting climaxed with a presentation by carver Paora Te Rangoiaoa of a heru - a whalebone comb he had specially made for Denise to mark the occasion.

“In the old days naming ceremonies were very important and different guardians were called to sanction a person on their journey.

“I looked around my studio for the right material and was reminded of the story of the first people here. The people on Waiheke were called ika Maori (from the sea) and ika moana is the name given to whales,” he said.

Momentarily lost for words, Ms Roche fought back tears as she accepted the gift.

“I am blessed and honoured,” she said. “It’s not just about honour, it’s about the responsibility of it. I can feel the weight of carrying our dreams and the work we have to do.” •

Story and photos Diana Worthy