Fighting for the rights of the next generation is the focus of this year’s hīkoi to Waitangi led by Northland Māori.
Video / NZ Herald
Manaakitanga, unity and care for each other are key messages from Waitangi Day, outside of the politics.
While the politicians were getting heckled at the dawn service, the rest of the day took on a family-friendly vibe, with food stalls, cultural performances and plenty of free activities for kids.
MereawaroaDavies from Te Tii Marae helped to feed hundreds of people in a lunch service on Friday which ran three to four hours due to the demand.
When asked what message people should take home from the commemorations, she said it should be manaakitanga – hospitality and kindness towards each other.
“Love each other; it doesn’t matter what your background is, love each other and help each other,” she said.
“When you learn to uplift each other, you learn to uplift the whole country.”
Mereawaroa Davies, left, and Ngati Kawa Taituha said this year’s Waitangi Day had a great atmosphere. Photo / Denise Piper
“What our tīpuna did for us [signing Te Tiriti] is still relevant and we’re still continuing the mahi.”
Russell residents Katrina and Miles Frankum have been coming to Waitangi for several years and were surprised by the length of the queue for the ferry across on Friday morning.
Katrina Frankum said Waitangi is a great family day, but that is often missed by the TV media which focuses on the politics and protest.
For Emily Holdaway from Cable Bay, Waitangi Day is like a family reunion, with whānau coming from all over the country.
Casey Tana from Moerewa said being at Waitangi was all about supporting the kaupapa of keeping Māori culture alive.
Te Waihoroi Phillips, left, and her mum Casey Tana, were at Waitangi to kaupapa waka. Photo / Denise Piper
Her 6-year-old daughter Te Waihoroi Phillips was supporting the waka.
Children of all ages had a chance to be entertained with free rides and activities, including a chill-out zone, papa miharo, supported by the Children’s Commission.
Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad said it was a space for children to be creative and play freely.
Having taken part in formalities, including welcoming the hīkoi Mana Mokopuna, Achmad said she has learnt the importance of listening to the voices of children and youth.
“I have heard the importance of listening with care to the things that they’re telling us; the things that are their hopes and dreams but also the things that are challenging in their lives,” she said.
Summer Langrell, 13, from Christchurch does a flip on the bungee as part of the carnival for children. Photo / Denise Piper
Achmad said she was struck by the words of one rangatahi who said it is not about the leaders of tomorrow, as “tomorrow” is already here.
To help encourage young people to share their thoughts, those who shared what matters most to them or helps them feel safe were rewarded with a free ice cream.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
