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Las Vegas Showman Entertains Waikato DHB Patients
Las Vegas Showman Entertains Patients
A man who entertained thousands of people in more than 35 countries as a member of the famed Maori Volcanics showband, featured in the first “live” concert in Waikato District Health Board’s Older Persons and Rehabilitation Building today.
Herewini Rawiri, 71, has spent the past fortnight in Waikato Hospital and was one of the first patients in Ward OPR3 when it moved from Ward 54 in the Elizabeth Rothwell Building at the end of last month.
In his heyday Mr Rawiri was a star turn in Las Vegas and so when he burst into song belting out the Everley Brothers standard Let it Be Me, there was hardly a dry eye in the place.
He finished his set with Now is the Hour and then bid patients and staff farewell.
“I don’t want to leave because I’ve had the best room in the building,” said Mr Rawiri.
His en-suite single room has sprawling views of Hamilton Lake something his partner Katrina Werahiko said helped the veteran performer’s progress.
Now back at home in Hamilton, Mr Rawiri will receive ongoing help from Waikato DHB’s START service. Supported Transfer and Accelerated Rehabilitation provides intensive rehabilitation in patients’ homes, enabling early seamless discharge and improved function in line with daily living.
The Maori Volcanics formed in Sydney in 1964 and became the most successful and enduring of the Maori showbands. Their routine included songs and dances from the South Pacific and comedy, ballads, trick instrumentals, group impressions, and saxophone solos.
The original Maori Volcanics line-up survived relatively unchanged until 1972. Prince Tui Teka, Dalvanius Prime and Billy T James all started their careers with the Volcanics.
Like all showbands of the time, each Volcanics performer was required to play at least three instruments, sing, dance, act, and do comedy skits.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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