E nga reo, e nga mana. Tēnā koutou katoa.
He mihi whānui tēnei ki a koutou e awhi nei i tēnei kaupapa,
No reira, e rau rangatira mā tēna koutou, tēna koutou, tēna koutou katoa.
He honore tēnei mō mātou ki te whakamihi atu kia koe e te rangatira e Haare, mō tōu mahi awhi kia mātou i Te Rōpū Whakaora Hinengaro (NZAP)
‘Kāhore te kūmara e kōrero ana mō tāna reka’. In the Māori world, it is often said that the kumara never speaks of its own sweetness. Today I have the privilege of sharing with you the sweetness of the man, Haare Williams.
Haare’s distinctions are many – as a loving father and grandfather, a beloved teacher in Te Tai Tokerau, a well-known Maori broadcaster who pioneered Maori radio as the general manager of Aotearoa Radio, a skilled trainer in the South Seas School of Film and Television, Pae Arahi for many years to Unitec, Kaumatua and Tikanga advisor to Manukau City Council, Auckland City Council and the Auckland Museum; and most especially as an artist: a painter, a poet, a lover of language, of Shakespeare, of Te Reo Maori, and significantly, a man of stature and standing among his Tuhoe, Ngati Rongowhakāta, and Ngati Porou people.
Haare’s association with NZAP began at the NZAP Conference in Auckland in 1994. The following year Haare led the first NZAP sponsored Noho Marae, a memorable two-day workshop on Maori history and the Treaty of Waitangi. Following that hui, Haare was invited to become “Pae Arahi” a bridge for the Association in NZAP’s path to biculturalism. Haare has carried this role for nearly twenty years. As the architect and mentor of the bicultural group Nga Ao E Rua (“Two Worlds”), Haare was instrumental in helping to found and establish Waka Oranga, NZAP’s Treaty partner, and he continues to nurture Waka Oranga as its Kaumatua.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi represents and symbolizes the possibility that Maori and Pakeha might one day enjoy a relationship that honours and values their difference. Haare positively and profoundly embodies this possibility. Generosity and inclusion, manākitanga and whanaungatanga, have been the consistent themes of his relationship with NZAP. He has offered us the challenge of the bicultural journey and the taonga of his Tikanga Māori heritage. He has encouraged us to share his vision that NZAP might someday become a truly bicultural organization. It is Haare’s special gift to unfailingly lift the level of the proceedings of which he is a part, and many of us have memorable experiences of Haare as teacher, mentor and friend. We are deeply grateful to Haare Williams for his aroha and for his patience, guidance, and loving support.
E te rangatira Haare,
Mā Io Te Matua kore, e tiaki, e manāki, ia koe, i roto i ōu mahi kātoa.
Tēnā koe, tēnā koe, tēnā koe, huri noa tō tātou nei whare, tēnā tātou katoa.
Honouring Sir Haare Williams, knighted in New Year Honours
Gabriela Mercado, President
2023
Ta Haare Williams stands as a beacon of wisdom, patience, and unwavering dedication in the realm of psychotherapy and Te Ao Māori, and it is with immense pride and admiration that we celebrate his well-deserved knighthood. Throughout his remarkable journey, Sir Haare has displayed a profound commitment to our Association, nurturing it with his boundless patience and vision. His significant and pivotal contribution to psychotherapy reshaped the very essence of our practice in Aotearoa.
Ta Haare’s vision transcended the conventional boundaries of psychotherapy. With grace and humility, he gently led us towards a path of biculturalism, bridging the gap between Te Ao Māori and Tangata Tiriti. He demonstrated that true change does not demand an abandonment of one’s roots but, rather, a harmonious blend of both worlds.
We honour Ta Haare for his remarkable contributions and for the enduring patience, grace, and dedication he has exhibited in championing a more inclusive and holistic approach to psychotherapy. Ta Haare, your legacy will continue inspiring generations to come.