October 28, 2016
Growing support for He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga
Iwi have gathered at Te Tii Marae in Waitangi to mark the anniversary of He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Niu Tireni, the 1835 Declaration of Independence.
Hui spokesperson Kingi Taurua says about 300 people are at the marae, including some from Ngati Porou, Maniapoto and other iwi as well as the usual Ngapuhi contingent.
He says while the crown view is the declaration was superceded by the Treaty of Waitangi five years later, Ngapuhi believes it still has things it can tell us today.
"The government is not supportive. We are not worried about that. We are worried about the 1835 Declaration of Independence becaserit is declaring our sovereignty has never been extinguished, and that is more important to us than the Treaty Waitangi." he says.
Kingi Taurua says the hui is considering establishing a group to build greater support for He Whakaputanga.
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