History in the making at Mangungu Mission

History will be made on February 4, 2015 when New Zealand’s Governor-General – Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae – visits Mangungu Mission, the historic Wesleyan mission house today cared for by Heritage New Zealand.

The last representative of the Queen to visit Mangungu Mission was Lieutenant Governor Hobson, under Queen Victoria, who officiated at the third and largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 12, 1840 – barely a week after the historic signing at Waitangi itself.

Sir Jerry Mateparae’s visit to Mangungu Mission acknowledges that the Treaty was signed in many locations around New Zealand in 1840.

“We’re extremely pleased that the Governor-General will attend the February 4 commemoration,” says the Manager of Mangungu Mission, Mita Harris.

“This is a special occasion and we look forward to celebrating this with him. We’re also very grateful to the Taumata Rangatira of Hokianga who will provide guidance on tikanga and other protocol associated with the day’s proceedings, and who will also be giving a message to His Excellency.”

As well as supporting the Governor-General’s visit, locals will also commemorate the signing of the Treaty on the actual day the signing took place at Mangungu – February 12 – as they have done for many years.

“Historically, the signing of the Treaty at Māngungu had a large impact on the community.

About 70 rangatira, who subsequently signed the Treaty, gathered at the Mission, and between 2000 and 3000 Māori attended on the day – making it easily the largest signing of the Treaty,” says Mita.

“The original table on which Te Tiriti was signed is on display at Mangungu Mission, and this important artefact will play a central role in February’s commemorations.”

2015 is shaping up to be a very significant year of commemoration – for communities in Horeke and the wider Hokianga according to Mita.

“Both occasions at Mangungu are sure to be memorable.”

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