PRESS RELEASE

Hui Kotahitanga

Monday 27th August

115 years ago Maori Parliament sat at Papawai Marae, Greytown, Wairarapa. Since that time Papawai Marae has become known as the "Home of Maori Parliament". This year Papawai is going to celebrate its rich history and past.

Maori Parliament operated from 1892 until 1902. During that time it met in the settlements of Waipatu (Hastings), Tokaanu (Turangi), Pakirikiri (Tokomaru Bay), Waiomatatini (Ruatoria), Rotorua, Waitangi and Papawai. It acted as a forum whereby Maori leaders from around the country could discuss issues of the day and as an opportunity for leaders to meet with Parliamentarians to discuss legislation that affected Maori.

On Saturday September the 29th over 500 people are expected to arrive at Papawai including Iwi Leaders, Maori Politicians and descendants of the Rangatira (Chiefs) who attended Maori Parliament over one hundred years ago. There will be three sessions with guest speakers discussing the past, the present and the future of Maori politics and political movements. The hui will also see a museum exhibition of taonga (treasures) relating to the movement including Linduaer portraits, manuscripts, and artifacts from the Parliamentary sessions.

On Sunday September the 30th the public are invited to attend an Open Day at Papawai to hear a presentation on the history of Papawai and the Kotahitanga Movement, to view the museum exhibition and to take a look at the stalls that will showcase the best local and Maori businesses.

To purchase tickets to Hui Kotahitanga please visit: http://www.iticket..co.nz/events/2012/sep/hui-kotahitanga

ENDS

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