Seeking the true way to justice from the Treaty

Speakers at the traditional Waitangi Day dawn service on top of Mauao, the mountain at Mt Maunganui, yesterday expressed a common wish to find huarahi tika - the true way - to the justice promised in the Treaty in 1840.

Clergyman Hati Kururangi delivered the opening karakia before kaumatua Kihi Ngatai of Ngati Ranginui called for the Treaty to be honoured in the spirit in which it was signed. Anglican priest Jim Biddle continued the theme, encouraging everyone to find the way of justice.

"We are recognising the authority of the original people, the tangata whenua, and the potential of all people," Mr Biddle said.

"This is a journey of learning. There was sweat pouring off many of us on the walk up.

"We did not come up here to patronise each other, to say that it's sweet. We have to be honest with each other - it is not sweet. There is much to be delivered."

He suggested Mauao become "the mountain of justice" for those still seeking the right way that the Treaty promised.

Tauranga MP Bob Clarkson called for an end to Treaty issues "at some time" and said it was good to see the question of ownership of the mountain was moving forward.

"I'd like to see all New Zealanders as one people and I'd like to see it before I die," he told the crowd.

Ngaiterangi kaumatua Morehu Ngatoko also called for the Treaty to be honoured, with people working side by side.

His address was followed by two haka performed by the warriors from Takitimu waka, bringing the event to a close as they led the way back down the path to Pilot Bay.

About 250 people attended the service.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES