January 16, 2019
Taumata scrutinised for Waitangi welcome
Bay of Islands iwi Ngāti Rahiri and Ngāti Kawa will be given a place on the taumata for Waitangi Day commemorations.
For the second year the pōwhiri will be held on the Treaty Grounds, after issues on the lower Te Tii Marae.
There was criticism the taumata last year was dominated by Ngāti Hine.
Pita Paraone, the chair of the Commemoration Organising committee, says he was aware of that criticism and last year promised the late Kingi Taurua there would be room made for the mana whenua.
The first major pōwhiri will be on Monday February 4, when governor General Dame Patsy Reddy will be welcomed on, after which there will be an investiture ceremony for Sir Hekenukumai Busby.
The Government and the diplomatic corps will be welcomed on Tuesday, after which there will be a ceremony where Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will lay the mauri stone for the proposed Māori Battalion Museum.
Mr Paraone says he’s optimistic about how this year’s commemoration is taking shape.
“Since 1985 when Sir Graham Latimer first asked me to help organise the day I have always been hopeful events will run in a way that is peaceful for everyone who attends.
“Then on February 7 when I wake up I hope when I read the reports that I attended the same event as they recorded,” he says.
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