Nauatu Fenton-Cribb (left), Huia Anne Maeke, Oma Heitia, Erena Hill and Peter Thorwite from the UK were among the many people to come from near and far to Parewahawaha Marae. Photo/Stuart Munro
Oma Heitia's 80th birthday last Sunday managed to rake in family and friends from Australia and the UK, although Treaty talks and a book launch were also part of the attraction.
About 200 people gathered at Parewahawaha Marae in Bulls to discuss a Treaty claim for land stretching from Ohakea
to Taihape, as well as celebrate the launch of Mrs Heitia's daughter's book Extinguishing Titles, about New Zealand land sales.
"It took her three years to find a publisher," said Mrs Heitia's sister, Christina McLeary, who said the book was being published in the US but not in New Zealand.
Dr Stella Coram, the author, had previously spent time in Australia doing research with Aboriginal people.
The Treaty claim was scheduled for a hearing on May 2 at the Tokorangi Marae.
