On Monday 23 November, Te Tauā Moana o Aotearoa – the Royal NZ Navy were welcomed onto Puketeraki Marae to co-sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which reflects the history and cooperation between the Navy and Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka. The exchange between the entities began in 2010 with HMNZS OTAGO’s first home visit, the presentation of Hikaroroa and reciprocal visits to both the rūnaka marae and the ship herself.
The MoU formalises the cooperation between RNZN and the rūnaka by establishing the arrangement for support, ceremonial and mutual exchange activities. Upoko, David Ellison welcomed the outgoing chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Jack Steer and the ship’s company of around 40 HMNZS OTAGO officers who performed a rousing haka in farewell for their chief. An afternoon tea followed.
Rear Admiral Jack Steer and Hinerangi Ferrall-Heath hongi at Puketeraki Marae.