Waitangi Celebrations in the Hokianga

January 25

MEDIA RELEASE

Waitangi Celebrations in the Hokianga

The third and largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi will be commemorated at Māngungu Mission, the NZ Historic Places Trust property in Horeke in the Hokianga.

Organisers are expecting the local community to turn out in force on February 12 – the anniversary of the actual day of the signing of the Treaty at Hokianga – in what has become an annual festival for the area.

“Everyone knows about the Treaty signing at Waitangi on February 6, 1840 – which is a date the whole nation celebrates,” says Mita Harris of the NZHPT, who is also leading the team organising the event.

“The signing at Māngungu, however, happened six days after Waitangi and involved the largest number of people. It’s very much a day for the Hokianga.”

The signing of the Treaty at Māngungu had a large impact on the community at the time, drawing about 70 rangatira – who subsequently signed the Treaty – and between 2000 and 3000 Māori who attended what became a giant hui.

The gathering took place at Māngungu Mission in Horeke, a Georgian-styled building which is cared for by the NZHPT and which was the centre of the Wesleyan Mission in the Hokianga. Today the building overlooks the beautiful Hokianga harbour.

The NZHPT is once again joining forces with the Māngungu Commemoration Committee, Nga Uri Whakatupu o Hokianga and haukainga to mark the day with fun activities including Powhiri, waka, horses, kapa haka performances and other entertainment.

“This is a great family occasion, and we’re inviting everybody to bring along a picnic and enjoy the day,” says Mita.

Admission to Māngungu Mission and the Treaty commemoration celebrations is free, though a koha to help cover costs would be appreciated.

ENDS

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