Hokianga Treaty Celebrations About to Begin

Celebrations marking the 170th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in the Hokianga are about to begin.

The formal commemoration of the Hokianga Treaty signing will take place at Mangungu Mission, the NZ Historic Places Trust property in Horeke on February 12, and will be the culmination of several events held over the five days leading up to it.

“These will begin early next week, starting with a hikoi leaving Waitangi on February 7, and visiting three sites of spiritual importance to Maori en route to the Hokianga,” says one of the co-organisers of the celebrations, Mita Harris.

“The hikoi will be supported by a fleet of 12 waka – including the waka taua Ngatokimatawhaorua, which will make its much-anticipated return to the Hokianga.”

One of the high points of the hikoi will be a dawn service and ceremony featuring the waka fleet on February 11 at Okura, Rawene, commemorating the meeting place of all Rangatira of Hokianga prior to the signing of the Treaty at Mangungu Mission in Horeke.

A Wananga Korero will be held at Mangungu Mission that evening followed by an open forum. The actual Treaty signing commemorations will take place on February 12.

“On that day in 1840 some 64 Rangatira signed the Treaty at Mangungu Mission – the largest single Treaty signing anywhere in New Zealand,” says the NZ Historic Places Trust’s Northern Heritage Destinations Manager, Gordon Hewston.

“Celebrations will reflect events that actually took place there 170 years ago.”

Waka will present a salute from the water, and descendants of Rangatira and colonial signatories will gather to join dignitaries for the procession. After the karanga, karakia and pohiri, students of Horeke Primary School will re-enact the events of 1840, followed by kapa haka ¬performances from local schools.

“Treaty commemorations at the Hokianga are always tremendous events that involve the entire community – and this year’s celebrations will be particularly special,” says Gordon.

“We’ll be joining with E-Hoe Waka Education Trust, Motukiore Maori Marae Komiti, Mangungu Celebrations Committee and Nga Uri Whakatupu O Hokianga to make these commemorative events the biggest ever.”

NZHPT is grateful for funding for the Mangungu event from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund.

ENDS

© Scoop Media