Waitangi Day 2013

Ōnuku again hosted Waitangi Day this year and a fantastic day was had by all.

Spirited kōrero was heard from Tā Tipene O’Regan on the New Zealand Constitutional Review and from Tā Mark Solomon on the future of our water. Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker conducted a Citizenship Ceremony for 28 new citizens, and many Akaroa and Christchurch locals joined us for the day.

Aroha Reriti-Crofts led the singing, for which many joined in, with hits from Bernice Tainui’s song book. A beautiful spit-roast was cooked by Richard Till. It was served alongside Shane and Pere Tainui’s hāngī. A crowd of around 500 enjoyed the feast. There were kapa haka performances throughout the day and members of Parliament such as Tariana Turia, Rino Tirikatene, Nicky Wagner and Ruth Dyson shared the day with us. “It’s the best afternoon I’ve had” said Lianne Dalziel.
Thank you to all who supported this event and to all the workers and volunteers that helped to make it such a memorable day.