Queen’s Birthday weekend saw a range of events marking the 100th anniversary of the death of Westland explorer, surveyor and map maker, Charlie Douglas. These events drew a large crowd of dedicated followers to Hokitika.
The opening of an exhibition at the local museum launched the weekend, with the museum bursting at the seams with people. A mihi whakatau led by our upoko rūnanga, Richard Wallace and Makaawhio whānau preceded a ceremonial meeting of Te Koeti Tūranga and Charlie Douglas.
The exhibition provided a wonderful mix of information, maps and kōrero, including our own Ruera Te Naihi who was the topic of our presentation for the next evening at the “Who was Charlie? Mr Explorer Douglas” hosted at the Hokitika Regent Theatre.
Tumuaki, Susan Wallace, one of eight speakers, delivered a kōrero written by Paul Madgwick, called ‘Ruera Te Naihi, porter and guide’, which was very well received. This presentation was followed up with an article in the local Hokitika Guardian.
Charlie Douglas with whānau.