Peace reigns despite protest

Helen Kaipo yesterday led hikoi protesters. Picture / Richard Robinson

Music, sunshine, food and a huge crowd dominated this year's Waitangi Day commemorations - and while protesters made an appearance, their passionate and peaceful display added to the colour of the occasion.

More than 46,561 turned out for this year's event, more than doubling the 23,000 who visited last year.

Parking was at a premium for the mix of families, curious tourists and visitors from throughout the country who turned out to enjoy events that included performances by the New Zealand Navy band, a waka display, sports events, live performers and a Maori health forum.

Waitangi National Trust spokesman Michael Hooper said he was overwhelmed by the atmosphere and the turnout, estimated to be the largest since the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1990.

Police Far North area commander, Inspector Mike Rusbatch said "the three days have been outstanding. We have seen a big increase in numbers, especially families, and little or no trouble, and no arrests, the first time in my recollection".

Mr Rusbatch also praised the behaviour of marchers in a 1000-strong hikoi that marched across the Treaty Grounds to the upper Waitangi marae.

"They showed you can communicate and express your grievances in a manner that doesn't cause offence to others."

Helen Kaipo fronted the hikoi, which marched crossed Waitangi Bridge from the grounds beside Te Tii Marae, in the early afternoon.

She said the march was to mark commemorations of the signing of the Treaty.

"It is a celebratory hikoi, involving people from all over the motu [region]

The marchers sang songs and chanted, keeping clear of around 40 police surrounding the Treaty Ground flagpole.

The hikoi was greeted by a fierce haka and further songs at Waitangi's upper marae.

Hikoi organiser Hinewhare Harawira said the march was an annual event that would continue until Maori calls for honouring the Treaty were heeded.

She said it had been joined by many Pakeha and other nationalities that supported Maori calls for tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty).

Joe Rudolph, of Ngapuhi descent, who has returned to Waitangi commemorations with his wife, Dorothy and family for more than 20 years, said the positive celebratory atmosphere was a refreshing change from the tension that has clouded past events.

"It shows we are starting to find peaceful ways of working things out. It shows the future is looking promising, especially for our grandchildren," he said.

Mr Rudolph said for too long Waitangi had been a source of highlighting division in the country, and the Far North.

Maori Warden Marie Toetoe, who has patrolled Waitangi commemorations for 16 years, attributed the drop in problems in the past few years to a decrease in the numbers of radicals and troublemakers.

Paihia resident Bob Dennis, who has not been to commemorations for more than 40 years, said: "I am glad I came. It is a pleasant day and the weather is beautiful."