In a time where immigrants are being marginalised, Foxton celebrated immigration with the festive opening of Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, which attracted hundreds of people, including many Dutch kiwis from around the country, on Saturday.
The new facility hosts a range of services, including a Maori and a Dutch heritage museum. The working together of two cultural communities, especially the link between tangata whenua and an immigrant community is unique in the world, according to Dutch ambassador Rob Zaagman.
Years ago a group of Dutch people spent some days on the Motuiti Marae in Foxton because both communities had a vision for a museum and cultural centre near the Manwatu River. After years of planning, talking and fundraising, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom is the result.
Many challenges had to be overcome for Ngati Raukawa ki te Tonga to retain their tino rangatiratanga in the building, said Te Taito Maori o Te Awahou Trust Chair Hayley Bell. "Piriharakeke Generation Inspiration Centre is our place and it is bold and innovative," she said.
As they went on they began weaving together even more groups and opportunities, as the Horowhenua District Council had been looking at options for a new library and other community services in Foxton and subsequently joined in the effort, both groups worked and organised away for years.
Others joined the fundraising efforts and the government gave a million dollars earlier this year. Nearly 375 after Maori first encountered Dutch people in the person of Abel Tasman and crew, which didn't go too well at the time, both communities are now travelling in the same waka.
Situated in a former flax reserve and next to a replica of a Dutch windmill their dreams have now been given form in the very heart of Foxton.
But it wouldn't have happened without the foresight of Jan Langen and Rob Slobbe who 15 years ago said they wanted to build a windmill.
"They started with a slab of concrete and everyone said it wouldn't go anywhere, but they did it," said Otaki MP Nathan Guy, speaking during the powhiri.
Horowhenua Mayor Michael Feyen did his best at a little speech in Dutch welcoming the visitors, while minister for regional development Shane Jones, describing himself as the billion-dollar man, complimented the community on their efforts and promised further assistance to the regions, including Horowhenua.
Ambassador Zaagman also delivered a letter written on behalf of Dutch King Willem-Alexander congratulating the parties involved on their success.
Inside, Mayor Feyen assisted Arjan van der Boon and Yolande van de Wetering in unveiling a plaque in the museum.
Two interesting features in the Oranjehof, the Dutch part of the museum are a statue of Abel Tasman, rescued from the dungeons at The Papa, and a huge tile painting of that first encounter between Tasman and Maori.
While the Piriharakeke Generation Inspiration Centre hosts a beautiful taurapa, possible carved from the waka tau Te Whangawhanga by Ihakara Tukumaru in the 1830s, precious taonga for Ngatu Raukawa kit e Tonga.
After the official welcome, visitors could peruse the many treasures held in the building. Kapa Haka, a traditional Dutch hand organ, as well as a 19th Century Dutch Street Organ, a visit to the windmill and tasting the wares of the foodtrucks available in the vicinity complimented the day for many.
Te Awahou is open for business and promises to be the home and meeting point of many diverse groups.