Hokianga gears up for Treaty festival
It is less than a week until the Hokianga celebrates the largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 12, 1840.
In 1840, the signing of the Treaty at Horeke almost a week after the Waitangi signing had a large impact on the community. About 70 rangatira signed the Treaty and between 2000 and 3000 Maori attended what became a giant hui, and the largest Treaty signing.
The community is expected to turn out in force at Horeke's Mangungu Mission next Tuesday for the Hokianga-style celebration which has become an annual festival.
The original gathering took place at the Georgian-styled building which was the centre of the Wesleyan Mission in the Hokianga. Today the building is cared for by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
"This is a great family occasion, and we're inviting everybody to bring along a picnic," NZHPT curator Mita Harris said.
The trust will again join forces with the Mangungu Commemoration Committee, Nga Uri Whakatupu o Hokianga and haukainga (people of the local marae) to mark the commemorative day with fun activities.
A fleet of waka will arrive 12pm-1pm and this year, Ngatokimatawhaorua - the smaller version of the same-named, large war canoe housed at Waitangi - will also take part. "Little Ngatoki" is based at Otaua, cared for by Ngai Tu.
