MEDIA RELEASE
90TH BIRTHDAY OF LAST MAORI PROPHET
ALEXANDER PHILLIPS CBE, QSM, Esq
On August 10-12, the supporters of Alexander Phillips will unite to celebrate his 90th birthday at Mana Ariki. Over
5,000 of his followers are expected to attend, traveling from all over NZ and from around the world. Alexander Phillips
is the founder of Te Kotahitanga Building Society Incorporated which was officially set up in 1961.
Alexander Phillips had a special birth. When his mother Pareuira became pregnant, she carried twins in her womb for 12
months giving birth on the 14th August 1917.
They were christened with the names Tau (12 months) and Te Ao (the world). Tau was born embracing his brother Te Ao, who
was curled up like a crystal ball. Unfortunately, Te Ao was delivered still born, but Tau survived.
Tohunga, Te Ao Tangata prophesied that one day the surviving boy would do great things, and that he was a gift from God
to the people.
His thoughts were only for the people and he urged them to unite themselves under the power of the Father, Mother, Son,
Holy Spirit and Their Faithful Angels.
The beginning of Mr Phillips work centred around bringing relief to the sick and suffering while at the same time
carrying on the work to rid the country of makutu (black magic) left by the Maori ancestors.
Reports of his miraculous and wondrous achievements circulated amongst the people and elders in particular came from
near and far to visit with the man who they knew as the one prophesied to come to complete the Spiritual work. The
longer he worked the greater the demands that were placed upon him and within a very short space of time a dedicated
following of elders who wished to assist him had assembled.
In 1961 the Kotahitanga Building Society (Inc) came into being representing the Unity of all people under the Grace of
God.
Mr Phillips later returned to his family estate at Taumarunui to build the renowned Manu Ariki Marae where his work for
Te Kotahitanga Building Society grew immensely. In 1975, Mr Phillips began his building projects which have since
flourished to the present date.
* Te Ngira o Te Ao (Mother) was unveiled in March 1982
* Te Kura Wananga (school of sacred knowledge) was completed in 1993
* Te Whetu Marama (temple) was opened in February 1993
* Te Paremata O Te Atua (God’s Parliament) was opened in February 1997
* Te Runanga Tapu o Te Rohe Potae (Beehive) was opened in January 2000
* Unveiling of the Rock Bethel (God’s House) May 2007
* Other buildings include a gymnasium, a museum, a permanent haka stage and the longest miniature train track in the
southern hemisphere.
Recipient of the Queens Service Medal (QSM) in 1986 and in June 1995 Mr. Phillips was awarded Commander of the British
Empire (CBE) for services rendered in helping the Maori people.
After more than 64 years of service devoted to the people, the supporters of Alexander Phillips will gather to celebrate
in the special 90th Birthday celebrations. As part of the birthday the Prophet is expected to deliver a special
spiritual message to those in attendance. A celebration of the Life of a Prophet and the work achieved in his life-time.
For more information on the Maori Prophet, Alexander Phillips, you may wish to visit the official website of Mana Ariki,
www.mana-ariki.com.
ENDS