RNZ, Auckland, February 6, 2019
Indian Newslink Standfirst: Today is the 179th Waitangi Day (178th Anniversary) of the ‘Treaty of Waitangi’ signed in Waitangi in 1840. The country is marking the day with celebrations throughout the country, from Waitangi in the North to Christchurch in the South, with Queenstown joining for the first time.
The following is a Radio New Zealand Report:
The Prime Minister’s four-day stretch in the North has come to an end but there is still a large crowd at Waitangi making the most of Ngāpuhi’s hospitality.
Dawn Prayer and Breakfast
A barbecue breakfast ended the formalities for the day, attended by more than 1000 people in the Bay of Islands this morning.
Earlier, a large crowd gathered on the Marae at Waitangi for a dawn service marking the 179th anniversary of the signing of the treaty.
A Church Service was held in the Wharenui and a number of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the Chief Justice and representatives of the Navy and Fire Service addressed the crowd with readings and psalms.
Anglican Archbishop Philip Richardson prayed for an enduring respectful and honest partnership between Maori and Pākehā.
PM’s Prayer for all
Ms Ardern offered a prayer for Aotearoa New Zealand and for the poor and those on the margins of society.
Ngāpuhi leader Sonny Tau also spoke and suggested politicians go away and practise their understanding of the three articles of the Treaty, after a few got caught out by a media pop quiz.
The number in attendance this morning was down on last year, which could be to do with it being the second time Jacinda Ardern has visited.
Shortly after the dawn service, Ms Ardern grabbed an apron and tongs to help with the barbecue.
Ms Ardern said that while the government should be held to account for what it is doing for Maori, all New Zealanders had a part to play in making a better society.
Focus on Maori welfare
In an interview with RNZ at Waitangi this morning, Ms Ardern said the high rate of Maori imprisonment, unemployment and housing were all major focuses for the government.
“We can and we should continue to make progress on all of those issues but actually that’s not what will bring us as people’s together. Our understanding of one another – culture, our shared heritage, understanding of the language, those are the things that ultimately bring our two people’s together.”
She said that there was a sense of optimism at Waitangi, which was often very different to how it was portrayed.
Celebration at Porirua
One of the country’s biggest Waitangi celebrations, Waitangi Day Festival in Porirua, is in full swing with Waka, Waiata and Kai down at the waterfront.
The Festival is being held in conjunction with the local iwi Ngati Toa.
People will get the chance to see Maori carving in action, have a go at paddling a waka or making a taniwha puppet.
Porirua Mayor Mike Tana said that the Waterfront Festival was about recognising the important of the Moana.
There will be live performances from Aaradhna, Alien Weaponry and Robert Ruha.
Festival in Christchurch
In Christchurch, the Waitangi Day Festival will bring live entertainment, art, food, games, kapa haka and history to Victoria Square.
The event has been organised by Maori Tourism Operator Ko Tāne, with support of the Christchurch City Council and Ministry of Maori Development.
Ko Tāne Director David Brennan said that significant effort had gone into acknowledging Christchurch’s bi-cultural heritage through the rebuild and it was the right time to celebrate.
Traditional commemorations will still be held at Ōnuku Marae in Akaroa, with a pōwhiri and citizenship ceremony, with Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy to give a Waitangi Day speech.
