Treaty muster 'unique' near Horeke

About 200 people gathered at Mangungu Mission Station near Horeke for a relaxed and dignified commemoration of the Treaty of Waitangi's third and largest signing.

On February 12, 1840, an estimated 3000 Maori, among them the largest number of chiefs and elders to have been in one place, amassed at Mangungu to discuss and sign the treaty.

As is traditional, yesterday's celebration of that historic event also commemorated the Wesleyan mission, which has been a presence at Mangungu, on the upper reaches of the Hokianga Harbour, since 1827.

Mangungu Mission Station curator Makuini Te Whata-Chadwick described the annual day "as very special, unique - it is by the people for the people".

Many locals were descended from Maori and Pakeha who played important roles in that historical signing at Mangungu, Ms Te Whata-Chadwick said.

People who could not fit inside the small Methodist Church in the grounds of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust-administered old mission site crowded outside as the traditional morning service took place.

Then, after kapa haka by waka ama groups and speeches by kaumatua, prayers and hymns were offered by a contingent of Tongan theology students and Methodist church officials, representing the Pacific Wesleyan tradition.

Their prayers and songs were followed with a speech by senior Methodist minister and historian, Rev. John Phillipps.

Of the morning's service and celebration, Rev. Phillipps said, "I believe this has happened in the right order."