A Look At
Te Waiteata Maori Boys' Hostel

Boarders at Te Waiteata relax and work in the sunshine in the beautiful grounds that surround the large two-storey hostel, which for them, is a home away from home.

Te Waiteata Maori Boys' Hostel, situated in its pleasant surroundings in lower Russell Street, is an enjoyable and secure home for eight young Maori men, who have come from the country districts of the East Coast to learn a profession in Gisborne. Also boarding at the hostel are two pakehas.

A former guest house, the hostel was opened last year and is administrated by the Salvation Army and a guiding advisory committee.

The initial conception of the hostel was to provide young Maoris from the country, who wanted to take a trade apprenticeship in the city, with a suitable place of abode, where they could lead a secure and stable life. In this, Te Waiteata has been an unqualified success.

Unfortunately, the response has not been as great as anticipated, and the hostel, which can accommodate 32, is only partially occupied.

The boys are governed by a reasonable curfew, are responsible for the tidiness of their rooms, and are required to give an hour of their time on Saturday mornings to maintaining the grounds and assisting in the kitchen.

Happily arriving home after a day at work are three of the boarders, Des Blake, of Mahia, who is employed at Woolworths as an executive student, Raymond Grace, of Te Karaka, an apprentice motor mechanic, and John Kershaw, of Ruatoria, a wool classer.

John, Des, and Raymond listen attentively as the manager of the hostel, Mr A. Waugh, takes a bible reading after the evening meal

The hostel's matron, Mrs waugh, serving one of her cheerful boarders, Du Rogers, with his evening meal.

Happy at her work....Miss J. Beavis, the cook.

Des Blake receives a helping hand with his accountancy studies from his friend, Ray Grace.

The hostel's indoor games room provides boys with plenty of entertainment in the evenings.

The boys have their own band, spending many hours playing their instruments. From left: Du Rangihuna, Leroy Svans, Doug Anderson, Des Blake, John Kershaw, Ray Grace, and Punoa Ngarimu.

Comfortable lounge provides opportunity for quieter activities

Du Rogers doing his Saturday morning kitchen duties

Punoa Ngarimu adds the finishing touches to his bed before leaving for work in the morning

Pakeha boarder, Brian Helson, of Wellington, and Du Rangihuna, of Te Araroa, do their weekly washing in the modern laundry.

Brian Helson, Du Rogers, and Du Rangihuna admire the view from the hostel's balcony

Mowing the lawn beneath the towering pine trees which dominate the rural view from the hostel.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 106 : April 18, 1963

A Look At
Te Waiteata Maori Boys' Hostel

No 106 : April 18, 1963

A Look At Te Waiteata Maori Boys' Hostel

A Look At
Te Waiteata Maori Boys' Hostel