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The Gisborne Photo News

 

6

Big Welcome For Kiri Te Kanawa

The Auckland mezzo-soprano Kiri Te Kanawa was given a rousing welcome by city dignitaries, a Maori concert party, and a crowd of about 500 when she arrived at Gisborne Airport earlier this month.

Miss Te Kanawa, aged 21 years, whose phenominal rise to fame commenced last year with the winning of the Mobil Song Quest, was visiting Gisborne for three nightly appearances at the Waikanae Beach Carnival.

Born in Gisborne, Miss Te Kanawa spent the first 12 years of her life here before departing for Auckland.

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Kiri Te Kanawa waves to the welcoming crowd from the door of her aircraft

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A member of the Maori concert party performs the traditional challenge

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The Mayor, Mr H. H. Barker, greeted Miss Te Kanawa with a Maori hongi (nose-rub).

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Escorted by Mr and Mrs Barker, Miss Te Kanawa joins spectators to watch the concert party perform.

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Miss Te Kanawa joins members of the concert party for a happy picture

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The concert party in action

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After the welcome, Miss Te Kanawa and Mr Barker were driven through town in an open car, preceded by a police motorcycle escort.