Kororareka/Russell's flagstaff ceremony in pictures 31 Jan, 2018 03:04 AM Quick Read
Warriors Mukai Hura, left, and Isaiah Apiata pause for reflection during the ceremony. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF
Last Monday Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy took part in a reconciliation ceremony atop Russell's Maiki (Flagstaff) Hill — 160 years to the day after her predecessor, Governor Thomas Gore Browne, was first invited by Maihi Kawiti. The Ngati Hine leader and son of the warrior chief Te Ruki Kawiti had erected the flagpole in 1858, replacing a previous pole put up then repeatedly cut down by Hone Heke, as a gesture of reconciliation and unity between Maori and the Crown. Read more here: Crown accepts peace offer 160 years later Photos by Peter de Graaf .
Warriors lead the Governor-General's party up a path to the flagpole. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Former Waitangi National Trust chair Pita Paraone escorts Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy to the flagpole. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Master carver Te Warahi Hetaraka, of Whangarei, and former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley, of Russell, take the path up to the flagpole. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Isaiah Apiata escorts the Governor-General and other manuhiri (guests) to the flagpole. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Warriors Mukai Hura, left, and Isaiah Apiata pause for reflection during the ceremony. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Russell's Jane Hindle (centre) co-chairs the Te Au Marie Trust which organised Monday's ceremony along with Kororareka Marae. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Former MP and Waitangi National Trust chair Pita Paraone translates the speeches into Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy's ear. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Kaumatua Wiremu Wiremu displays his military decorations. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Ngati Manu's Arapeta Hamilton makes a speech atop Maiki Hill. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Rawhiti kuia Marara Te Tai Hook (seated) with former Prime Minister and now Russell resident Jenny Shipley. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy reads her speech during the flagpole ceremony. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Moka Puru, of Panguru/Rawhiti, speaks during the flag ceremony. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Sharkey Sigley, 14, and Richard Robbins of Russell prepare to raise the flag. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF The Flag of the United Tribes is hoisted at Russell's Maiki Hill 160 years after the pole was first erected as a symbol of unity and reconciliation. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy with two of Maihi Kawiti's great-grandchildren, Te Raumoa Kawiti and Kene Kawiti-Martin, and the Rongomau (peace) Seal given to Kawiti by Governor Gore Browne. Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy with Maihi Kawiti's great-grandson Te Raumoa Kawiti and the Rongomau (peace) Seal given to Maihi Kawiti by Governor Gore Browne in the 1850s. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Warriors prepare to escort the Governor-General onto the grounds of Haratu, the whare at Kororareka Marae. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Young warrior Rehia Rameka, of Kaikohe, offers a challenge to the Governor-General's party. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF Young warrior Rehia Rameka, of Kaikohe, during a challenge to the Governor-General's party. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF