Final evidence from Ngapuhi presented

Ngapuhi has started wrapping up its case in the first stage of the Waitangi Tribunal's ground-breaking Northland Inquiry, with speaker after speaker arguing their ancestors never signed away their sovereignty.
The initial hearings now under way are examining what Ngapuhi chiefs agreed to when they signed first the 1835 Declaration of Independence then Te Tiriti o Waitangi five years later. The next stage will deal with land claims.
The fourth and final week of initial hearings started at Whitiora Marae at Te Tii, north of Kerikeri, yesterday.
Several hundred packed the wharenui and spilled into two marquees where they could follow proceedings on video screens.
Hosts Ngati Rehia provided the first two speakers, Wiremu Heihei and Te Huranga Hohaia, who spelled out the hapu's whakapapa, history and interpretation of He Whakaputanga (the Declaration of Independence).
Mr Hohaia said his ancestors had signed the Declaration to confirm their position and allow them to trade with other nations.
"It did not give independence as such, because they were already an independent nation."
He spoke of Ngati Rehia tupuna Tareha, who was keen at first on Pakeha settlers because they brought goods and tools. He provided them with land and protected their missionaries, as long as they did not undermine his authority.
When he had urged the King of England to send soldiers, it was to "take care of his own Pakeha".
Tareha was fiercely protective of tikanga and refused to sign the Treaty because he would not be a slave to anybody, "let alone to thieves, liars, cheats, adulterers and people who threatened to undermine his status as chief".
Mr Hohaia said he hoped the truth would now be told, "otherwise we are eternally doomed to be submerged in defecation".
In previous weeks speakers' ire has been reserved for the Crown, but yesterday the Tribunal also came under fire.
Hapu lawyers called for more time so more people could have their say; others complained the hearing was being run like a court case, when it should be run like a commission of inquiry.
Ngapuhi academic Hone Sadler also urged the Tribunal to produce a report into the initial hearings quickly, so hapu could get on with their land claims.
Other speakers yesterday included Willow-Jean Prime of Te Kapotai, and Moetu Tipene-Davis and Erima Henare of Ngati Hine.
As in previous weeks, the atmosphere was festive, despite the strength of feeling. High-powered guests included Tuwharetoa paramount chief Sir Tumu Te Heuheu.
On Sunday, Ngati Rehia took Tribunal members on a tour of historic sites around the Bay of Islands, such as Kerikeri's Kororipo Pa and Ruapekapeka Pa near Kawakawa, the site in 1845-46 of the last major battle between Ngapuhi and British forces.
Lawyers for the Crown are due to start giving their evidence tomorrow.