International Year of the Family

Gisborne, First City of the Sun, was host to a contingent of guests which included, Maori M.P. Whetu Tirikatene -Sullivan, the Chairwoman of the International Year of the Family Committee Lady Rhyl Jansen , President of Plunket N.Z. Pat Seymour, the Minister of Social Welfare Peter Gresham and his wife Margot. TV personality Paul Holmes with his wife Hinemoa and 2 children were special guests. More than 200 poeple attended the celebrations on Titirangi in Tairawhiti - the place where the sun shines to launch the International Year of the Family. Mrs Rose Stewart gave the karanga with M P Whetu Tirikatene -Sullivan responding for the visitors. As the sun rose the speakers noted the importance of the family and the impressions the family makes on the way that our children grow to carry on the traditions of the extended family which is our society.