1 Jun 2014

Happily ever after and Tomo - Māori Marriage 1950's styles

From Te Ahi Kaa , 4:56 pm on 1 June 2014

Winiata Morunga was 20 years old and his intended bride, Doreen Beasley was 18 when they first met at a cousins wedding in Omanaia early 1950's . He was the best man, she was a bridesmaid. So far so cliché. Well, not so. Not when his whānau and then hers got in on the act and the practice of tomo was put into play. He recalls that time, and how the initial support pledged by their whānau through the practice of tomo, resulted in a very happy union that only ended upon her death.