High tea at Zealong estate Hamilton Mayor Andrew King unveiled the statue of Captain James Cook, who was introduced by Maori to the native manuka plant, which he named the tea tree.
High tea at Zealong estate Hamilton Mayor Andrew King unveiled the statue of Captain James Cook, who was introduced by Maori to the native manuka plant, which he named the tea tree.
Representatives from throughout the greater Waikato region and the world attended a Rangiatea event at Zealong Tea Estate on June 26.
Stakeholders and role players within the New Zealand Tourism industry also attended the celebration, timed to fit in with the Maori Matariki Festival.
Waikato District Council Mayor Allan Sanson unveiled the statue of Harold Nielsen, the Waikato farmer who guided Zealong through the conversion of the land from dairy farm to tea plantation.
Each of the five statues paid tribute to one of the unique cultures that played a role in the foundation of the Waikato's treasured tea plantation, which is now a great attraction for a significant number of tourists to Hamilton and Waikato.
Chen Jing, Consul for Economic and Commercial Affairs and Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland, revealed the 'Tea Horse Road' statues.
A kapahaka performance by the award-winning students of Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga opened the proceedings, which was then followed by a karakia, cutting of the ribbons borne by the various statues, and then a light meal in the Tea House overlooking the plantation.
The journey along the path of statues concluded with Cilla Henry introducing the Maori statues representing the Unification of People celebrating the event.
British beef and cheese pies, Maori ikamata, crispy potatoes with Kawakawa sour cream, kiwi goat cheese fritters and mini pavlovas, and Chinese soy chicken with sesame seeds were all included on the menu in recognition of the cultures that built Zealong Tea Estate.
