HISTORICALLY

During the early 80's there was a Te Wao - Pini Whanau Reunion hosted at Tapuaeharuru Marae, Rotoiti. This reunion brought together all of Koro Peri's whanau, as well as his siblings and their whanau.

During the last three years, some children and mokopuna of Peri and Pareheuea met at different whanau occassions (unveilings, tangihanga, family events), and shared a similar wish and discussion about having a whanau reunion.

In October 2006, two cousins decided to get together to talk more seriously about the idea of a whanau reunion and started preparation on how to go about coordinating such an event.

Seven months on, this working group has extended to three cousins including some great support from whanau around Aotearoa and overseas, as well as some further inquiries by others.

With a deadline of December 2007 and lots of work still do to, the working group are striving towards their goal of a Te Wao Whanau Reunion 2007 during Christmas in the Rotorua region and are looking forward to this inaugural event specifically for the descendents of Peri and Pareheuea Te Wao.

WHAT?

It has been a very long time since our whanau have united. Our whakapapa has increased at least another 2 generations and our whanau has spread globally. Apart from tangihanga and weddings, there has been no known event especially for uniting our whanau.

WHY?

Today, some whanau are concerned that many of Peri and Pareheuea's mokopuna have never met. A Whanau Reunion would be a great start to ignite whanaungatanga and to build our whakapapa for our present and future generations. This will be the first time this whanau will unite and it is hoped that this reunion will instigate further events like this. 

WHO?

The Te Wao Whanau Reunion is for the children and descendents of Peri Te Wao and Pareheuea Dinsdale.

WHEN?

The Te Wao Whanau Reunion will take place in Rotorua at Tutanekai Marae, 24, 25 & 26 December 2007. Whanau can arrive on 23 Dec and depart on 27 December 2007.