He aha te mea nui i te ao? He Tangata. He Tangata. He Tangata–a Maori proverb taught to most children in New Zealand in grade school.
Nat “King” Cole was a much loved entertainer here in America, who broke many boundaries and transcended borders for his people, because he chose to live in neighborhoods, where people said he shouldn’t be seen. He did so in order to make a difference, lead his family, and entertain his much loved America with his talents.
Here’s his Hollywood star today, with the unforgettable duet with Nat and his daughter Natalie Cole turning back time with the help of video footage of this man performing. This duet is a reminder that family and people are what matters in everything we do. Strong families equals strong communities, the building block of strong nations and allied nations in the world. Hopefully, all working towards the good.
Nat’s star has both a New Zealand fish hook symbol and a Maori koru motif mother of pearl, taonga on it in this picture–which symbolizes change, beginnings, new life amidst challenges. A koru is also the symbolic metaphor of a fern leaf’s tip–symbolizing renewal and regeneration of life. Both symbols sit on Nat’s star, Hollywood Blvd–as a tribute to two men. First Nat King Cole himself–and secondly, John Key - the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the “King” in a way, of The National Party.
Mauri Ora to America, her allies and New Zealand -from your Los Angeles based Maori entertainment blogger. Let’s always be unforgettable as people who care for people. And to my own dad – thank you for teaching me this, in your own way to who you care about.
[This image of John Key and Prince William cooking on the good old Kiwi BBQ, shot in Wellywood (Wellington), courtesy of The Herald Sun].
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 9.22.10~
