The crew of Te Arawa leave Tii Beach after yesterday's waka spectacle. Photograph by Peter de Graaf.
The crew of Te Arawa leave Tii Beach after yesterday's waka spectacle. Photograph by Peter de Graaf.
Hundreds of locals and tourists gathered together in Rotorua to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Whakawarewa Thermal Village was one of the places holding events around the city yesterday, hosting its seventh annual Waitangi Day celebration, Whakanuia.
Image 1 of 5: Kayah Taare, 6, left, and Teina Taare, 5, wearing clothing by Makere Taare. Wearable/Traditional Arts show during Whakanuia at Whakarewarewa.
Whakanuia organiser Renee Raimona said the event had received great responses from the public.
Kayah Taare, 6, left, and Teina Taare, 5, wearing clothing by Makere Taare. Wearable/Traditional Arts show during Whakanuia at Whakarewarewa.
"You know it's not just locals coming to celebrate, it's tourists as well who really appreciate what's going on. It's great to see everyone in such high spirits and just enjoying the day."
Ms Raimona said the entertainment at Whakanuia was one of the ways they celebrated Maori culture.
"We've had kapa haka groups Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao, Matarae I Orehu and Kataore as well as performances from MBC dance crew and Breakthrew dance crew.
"While the kapa haka groups had traditional Maori performances, there were also cultural aspects to the dance crews' routines, which was really cool to see."
Rotorua resident Lanne Wade said Waitangi Day had a lot of meaning for her and her family.
"We usually celebrate Waitangi Day at home every year so it's nice to share the day with others.
"Negative things have happened on this day in the past but I think it's important we use the day as a chance to reflect on our history. By doing this, we can move forward to make the lives of all New Zealanders better in the future."
She said Waitangi Day was a chance for people to come together and share the history of New Zealand.
Te Arawa kaihautu (captain) Paora Te Hurihanganui obliges a tourist with a photo and a pukana. Te Arawa waka, Waitangi Day celebrations, Waitangi Day, Waitangi. 06 Febuary 2015 Photograph by Peter
"The day is a chance for whanau to reconnect and move forward together. All New Zealanders should be aware of the country's history and join together to celebrate where we are today."
Another local woman, who did not wish to be named, said Waitangi Day went deeper than "just celebrations".
"There are people in this country who still have the mindset from 200 years ago. It cannot be said that the Treaty of Waitangi is being honoured while Maori are still suffering injustices and inequality today.
"People celebrate the day but, for me, there is nothing to celebrate until all the disparities we are faced with are done away with.
"I come from seven generations of Ngati Whakaue and Te Arawa and I am proud of my people and want to see them prosper as they deserve."
Te Arawa had two waka and about 50 crew representing the iwi at Waitangi's Te Tii marae.
A waka taua (war canoe) Te Arawa with 24 paddlers, and a women's waka Te Auhauheke with a crew of 16, represented the iwi on the water during official ceremonies. They were part of a flotilla led by Ngapuhi's 80-seat waka Ngatokimatawhaorua.
