Commemorate Waitangi Day at Raukawa Marae in Ōtaki
By Alan Tristram
The KCDC says its 7th formal Waitangi Day celebration have been organised with host iwi Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki, Ngāti Raukawa.
The theme is ‘Arohanui te rā o Waitangi’ (great love of Waitangi Day).
The commemorations mark the 174th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and more than 500 chiefs from around the country.
“Hosting this event opens the gate for the community to be part of Waitangi Day and our Treaty partnership. It’s a fun and friendly way to experience marae protocols, enjoy local food and watch cultural performances,” says Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki Chairman, Rupene Waaka.
The commemorations also include:
- a free bus tour of historic sites with Queenie Rikihana-Hyland, departing the marae at 2pm (register by emailing maia.whiterod@kapiticoast.govt.nz)
- an exhibition of photography, carvings and artefacts at Ōtaki Museum
- the screening of a selection of films from the NZ Film Archive’s Taonga Māori collection throughout the day and two filming sessions with producer/director Libby Hakaria of Ngāti Raukawa – between 12 to 2pm – where people can share memories about Raukawa Marae, people, events or places that appear in the archival films (screenings and recording both at Ōtaki Museum).
“This is a great opportunity for people to join in the commemorations and acknowledge a very important part of our history,” says Mayor Ross Church. “Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy all that will be going on at the marae, as well as learn more about our heritage.”