Kororareka/Russell's flagstaff ceremony in pictures

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