In contrast to the pomp and politics of Waitangi Day, the people of the Hokianga marked the 174th anniversary of their signing of the Treaty with a low-key ceremony in the grounds of Mangungu Mission Station, near Horeke, yesterday. About 120 people, including kuia and kaumatua, children from Horeke and Rawene schools, and church representatives, turned out for a formal welcome and a salute from the crew of the waka Kaitoki as they paddled a mirror-calm Hokianga Harbour. Tau Kopa, a Ngai Tu elder and kaitiaki (guardian) of the great waka Ngatokimatawhaorua, said the Hokianga signing on February 12, 1840, was significant because many more chiefs signed than at Waitangi six days earlier. Mr Kopa put that down to strong support for the Treaty from west coast hapu and the area's large population at the time. About 70 signed at Mangungu compared to just over 40 at Waitangi. This year's commemorations are also significant because the Waitangi Tribunal will travel to Hokianga in April to hear local grievances in its ongoing Northland Inquiry. Photos by Peter de Graaf.
Tintype Central is a portrait studio specialising in the wet plate colloidion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography.
Northern Advocate photographer Michael Cunningham captured all the fun and action from the 2024 Northland Fritter Festival, held at Semenoff Stadium on Saturday, March 9.
Captain's run for Blues rugby team at Semenoff Stadium, Okara Park, Whangarei, Sam Nock feeds the ball out during the Captain's run. Photo/ by Michael Cunningham
About 75 crews took part in the BP Surf Rescue North Island IRB Championships at Waipu Cove on February 10 and 11, where sunshine and medium-sized waves made for a great event.
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