On Thursday 13 June, the 173rd anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi near Pukekura by Korako and Karetai, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou achieved a milestone – we celebrated the formal opening of our new wharekai Hākuiao.
The day began with a pōwhiri to welcome our manuhiri from far and wide. Although the day started with persistent rain, the skies cleared at an opportune time, allowing our manuhiri to enjoy the day without getting wet.
Tā Mark Solomon unveiled a plaque at the entrance to Hākuiao, and this was followed by a karakia by the Rev. Don Phillips. Manuhiri then filed into the wharekai to be greeted by Megan Potiki, Rebekah Langsbury and Samantha Ellison, along with tamariki from Portobello School’s Te Muaupoko, and the Kings and Queens High Schools’ kapa haka group, He Waka Kōtuia. Everyone was impressed.
The day was rounded off with a discussion on the constitution question, led by Tā Tipene O’Regan, Peter Chin and Professor John Burrows. He mihi nunui ki ngā ringawera me ngā kaimahi, especially Moana House mō te kai tino reka. Ka rawe koutou.
He Waka Kōtuia – haka pōwhiri.
Hmmm, namunamuā.
Manawhenua in the wharenui Tamatea.
Tamariki from Portobello School and He Waka Kotuia preparing to welcome manuhiri into Hākuiao.
Te Mairiki Williams and Jade Morgan preparing for the wero to ngā manuhiri.