This series of recordings was made at the hui to opening the rebuilt meeting house Tamatekapua, at Ohinemutu, Rotorua in 1943.
As well as the opening ceremonies, Sir Apirana Ngata (who was Master of Ceremonies for the event) specifically asked the National Broadcasting Service to record traditional waiata, haka and other items from iwi who were present, including Te Arawa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Whānau-a Apanui and Ngāti Porou.
He later recorded his own commentaries about some of the traditional items, and these were edited into the Ohinemutu recordings.
This recording opens with Ngata's introduction and commentary about whaikōrero by two Te Arawa speakers, who he says give interesting examples of Te Arawa dialects. He notes they had both died by the time his commentary was recorded (probably in the late 1940s.)
The speeches by two Te Arawa chiefs, Tuāmai Amohau (Ngāti Whakaue) and Hēmana Pōkiha (Ngāti Pikiao) then follow. They welcome the Vice Regal party and other distinguished visitors. Their whaikōrero is translated into English by Kepa Ehau (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Tarawhai).
Te Arawa sing "Uia mai koia" and Ngāti Poneke peform "Pa mai".
A Ngāi Tūhoe party led by the daughter of Rev. Wharatini Rangi of Ruatoki then perform a series of action songs and haka:
Sir Apirana then makes a joke to Prime Minister Peter Fraser about petrol restrictions.
Next, Ngata's commentary about haka performed by the reinforcements to the (28th) Māori Battalion, led by 2nd Lt Wii Pewhairangi Reedy, cousin of Lt Moana Ngarimu, VC. He notes many of these men were to die in service overseas.
The performance of the haka at Ohinemutu is then heard:
"Te Kiringutu" followed by the haka "Ruaumoko."
Sir Apirana Ngata's commentary about his own speech of welcome to the Prime Minister and the Governor-General. He notes Te Arawa honoured him by asking him to act as one of the hosts at the Ohniemutu hui.
Sir Apirana's speech is then heard, welcoming the Prime Minister and Governor General.
Prime Minister Peter Fraser makes a speech in English, translated into te reo Māori by Kingi Tahiwi (Ngāti Raukawa).
[Further details are contained in the Catalogue of Radio New Zealand Recordings of Māori Events 1938 - 1950 page 45.]