Navy returns to Waitangi after four-year absence

The navy is back at Waitangi.

After a four-year absence, a navy ship returned to Waitangi today to make a formal, albeit low key, contribution to the 162nd commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

The navy frigate, HMNZS Te Kaha, anchored about 700m off Hobson Beach today and prepared to send a colour party of sailors ashore to raise and lower the flags for the formal part of the 162nd commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.

The navy's return coincided with that of Prime Minister Helen Clark, also after a four-year absence.

She refused to return after being reduced to tears in the Te Tii Waitangi Marae when activist Titewhai Harawira challenged her right to speak ahead of Maori women.

The commanding officer of Te Kaha, Captain John Martin, said today the frigate was in the Bay of Islands to support Miss Clark and Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright's visit.

The navy commitment was low key, said Capt Martin, but it was good to be back.

"We have been associated with Waitangi for many years and it is always a pleasure to be back."

The navy has been a regular visitor to Waitangi since 1947. But its association with Treaty of Waitangi commemorations began in 1890 when the first 50 years was celebrated.

Then the band of the British navy ship, HMS Opal, provided the music for a grand ball in Russell.

In 1934 the ceremony was probably the most lavish and formal and followed the gifting by Lord Bledisloe to the nation of land where the Treaty House stands.

The navy ships HMS Dunedin and HMS Diomede were in the Bay of Islands for the commemorations.

The official party included the Maori king and delegations from tribes throughout the country, Prime Minister George Forbes, all ministers from Parliament, and politicians from Australia.

They stepped ashore to the thunder of a 21-gun salute from HMS Dunedin.

The navy has been responsible for maintaining the Treaty House flagstaff since 1947.

In 1990, a charter was presented conferring on the navy the "right and privilege without further permission being obtained, of marching at all times with drums beating, bands playing, colours flying, bayonets fixed, and swords drawn, through the lands of the Tai Tokerau, especially the Treaty Grounds".

Capt Martin said although the navy presence this year was low key, HMNZS Te Kaha, the first of two Anzac frigates to be delivered under a joint construction programme with Australia, would be "dressed" in bunting by day and with lights by night.

"It will be very visible to the public and it's good for them to see their navy participating in their national day," said Capt Martin.

- NZPA