We had a fabulous day – the pōwhiri included a speech from the Governor General Dame Patsy Reedy, presented by Lieutenant-commander Ian Marshall, the RNZN resident Naval Officer; Minister Hon Te Ururoa Flavell made light of the situation when the bag of koha broke and coins fell out over the ground much to everyone’s humour; He Waka Kōtuia led the waiata and later gave a very polished performance for everyone’s enjoyment.
The wānanga featured archaelogist Dilys Jones, Hoturoa Kerr kaihautū of the Haunui, Mayor Dave Cull representing tauiwi, the settler families and Tā Tipene O’Regan. Fire and Ice Waka Ama Club and Brendon Flack were on the harbour with their waka. Simon Kaan led an art workshop and an interactive display in the church featured a timeline of the arrival of Polynesian tūpuna then sealers and whalers and eventually the settler ships.
Ewan Duff and Doug Ditford demonstrated the craftmanship of mōkihi and craft activities for tamariki were led by Sarah McDougal. In the basement were stalls including Amber Bridgman with her fashion label Kahuwai and on the mezzanine floor was traditional mirimiri massage by Te Aomihia Rangihuna. The Wharf Street Band was great and the kai court well utlised.
Our Ngāi Tahu treaty day would not have been so successful were it not for all the kaimahi who volunteered their time and skills, including Claire Aiken and Moana House; caterer Bede Beaument and Cathy; Department of Conservation Coastal Otago staff, University students and more – over 40 people were briefed on our programme and health and safety requirements. Also, we would like to thank hapū and iwi for their part in this commemoration, Dave Williams for kōura; the amazing team from Ngāi Tahu under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Arihia Bennett who supplied funding, fish and beef, Ngāi Tahu Comms for all the video and sound work – thank you all! To everyone we thank you for your interest, commitment and hard work. There is still Te Hereka Waka merchandise including shirts, bags, caps and hats for sale at whānau rates so be in.
