Sir Jerry Mateparae planting a Pohutukawa tree yesterday following in the footsteps of his predecessors. Photo / Sandy Myhre
Sir Jerry Mateparae planting a Pohutukawa tree yesterday following in the footsteps of his predecessors. Photo / Sandy Myhre
While Te Tii Marae was buzzing with politicians, locals, iwi leaders and visitors, further up the road the Governor-General was planting a tree.
Yesterday, Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae took place in what is a tradition for Governor-Generals - on a small hill near the Whare Runanga at the Waitangi TreatyGrounds he planted a pohutukawa tree.
Waitangi Day organising committee chairman Pita Paraone said it is an activity that has occurred for a number of years. "He will be planting a tree denoting his term as Governor-General, following his predecessors, it's something that is done when their term nears an end."
Sir Jerry said the commemorative planting would usually occur later in his term but because of the 175th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, an agreement was made to do it this year.
"Given the significance of this day, both the board and I, we thought it would be more appropriate to do the planting this year," he said.
"It's the 175th anniversary. It was the decision made by Ngapuhi chiefs. Many rangatira set an example when they signed the treaty. It's quite appropriate at this place."
Sir Jerry said on his visit to Waitangi he even found out a bit about himself.
"I learnt a bit about my tipuna, I was told a story that one of them signed the treaty in the Hawke's Bay."
