February 3

MEDIA RELEASE

Waitangi celebrations in the Hokianga

The third and largest signing of Te Tiriti will be commemorated at Māngungu Mission, the NZ Historic Places Trust property in Horeke in the Hokianga.

Organisers are expecting a strong community turn-out on February 12 – the anniversary of the actual day of the signing of Te Tiriti in the Hokianga – in what has become an annual festival for the area.

“Everyone knows about the Treaty signing at Waitangi on February 6, 1840 – which is a date the whole nation celebrates,” says Mita Harris of the NZHPT, who is helping to organise the event.

“The signing at Māngungu, however, happened six days after Waitangi and involved the largest number of people. It’s very much a day for the Hokianga.”

The signing of Te Tiriti at Māngungu had a large impact on the community at the time, drawing about 70 rangatira – who subsequently signed the Treaty – and between 2000 and 3000 Māori who attended what became a giant hui.

The gathering took place at Māngungu Mission in Horeke. Today, the Georgian-styled mission house which is cared for by the NZHPT – and which was the centre of the Wesleyan Mission in the Hokianga – overlooks the beautiful Hokianga harbour.

Celebrations will begin on February 12 at 8am with a Pohiri. A waka salute will take place at 9am followed by a light lunch at midday. For more information, contact Mita Harris on Ph 09-405-9734.

ENDS

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