Chants and applause echoed through the grounds of Te Tii Marae as the Waitangi Tribunal read findings from Stage One of its inquiry into Te Paparahi o te Raki (the great land of the north) treaty claims.
Ngapuhi hapu gathered under a white marquee as speeches were read from the tribunal and hapu leaders. "The rangatira who signed te Tiriti o Waitangi in February 1840 in Waitangi, Waimate and Mangungu did not cede their sovereignty to Britain." As Waitangi Tribunal director Julie Tangaera read these words, the crowd burst into applause. "Kia ora," they shouted.
Although many already knew this, hearing it acknowledged pulled at their heart strings. Women were hugged as they cried tears of joy, it was a day of celebration for them.
The passion of the people who gathered to hear the news was evident as Ms Tangaera read her speech.
"Did they [the rangatira] cede sovereignty to the Crown," asked Ms Tangaera. "Kao (no)," shouted the audience.