Press release: Western Bay Museum
Western Bay Museum is inviting the community to commemorate Waitangi Day in fine fashion this year with funding from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage. Our diverse community is coming together to commemorate this special ‘agreement’ between Māori and Crown. We will share what Te Tiriti means from an array of cultures and ages. It is a day of togetherness, unity and commemoration.
We invite you to gather on the museum forecourt at 6.30am for ‘the Flag Ceremony’ where the Tino Rangatiratanga National Māori flag and the flag of Aotearoa New Zealand will be raised and honoured. The National Anthem will be played by the Tongan Brass Band.
Tino Rangatiratanga National Māori flag was designed for the 150-year Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and Te Tiriti.
The elements of the national Māori flag represent the three realms: Te Korekore, potential being (black, top) Te Whai Ao, coming into being (red, bottom) Te Ao Mārama, the realm of being and light (white, centre). The koru is symbolic of a curling fern frond, representing the unfolding of new life, hope for the future and the process of renewal.
We will then move to the marque and seating area behind the Arts Junction where we will have a service. An array of speakers has been asked to share what Te Tiriti & The Treaty mean to them today.
The Tongan Brass Band will be playing as a barbeque breakfast will be served. We have two free movies showing. At 9.00am the movie ‘Whina’ will start in The Junction Theatre which is intended for those who are part of this festive occasion and ultimately the power of unity. At 12.00noon ‘Boy’ will be on for the children and families.
For those who wish to pick up free movie tickets please go to the Arts Junction. For any other details go to www.westernbaymuseum.nz.
“The 2023 Waitangi Day at the museum really showed us that there is an appetite to commemorate this significant day. It’s our role as a museum to conserve and share histories that make us so unique. Te Tiriti is a partnership worth acknowledging and it helps us to understand the past. Through understanding the past, we can navigate the present to create a prosperous future together.”
Hone Winder-Murray – Pou Mātauranga Māori | Māori Lead
