Hokianga's Treaty celebrations
In contrast to the pomp and politics of Waitangi Day, the people of the Hokianga marked the 174th anniversary of their signing of the Treaty with a low-key ceremony in the grounds of Mangungu Mission Station, near Horeke, yesterday. About 120 people, including kuia and kaumatua, children from Horeke and Rawene schools, and church representatives, turned out for a formal welcome and a salute from the crew of the waka Kaitoki as they paddled a mirror-calm Hokianga Harbour. Tau Kopa, a Ngai Tu elder and kaitiaki (guardian) of the great waka Ngatokimatawhaorua, said the Hokianga signing on February 12, 1840, was significant because many more chiefs signed than at Waitangi six days earlier. Mr Kopa put that down to strong support for the Treaty from west coast hapu and the area's large population at the time. About 70 signed at Mangungu compared to just over 40 at Waitangi. This year's commemorations are also significant because the Waitangi Tribunal will travel to Hokianga in April to hear local grievances in its ongoing Northland Inquiry. Photos by Peter de Graaf.
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