As dawn broke on the Western Bay Museum forecourt, close to 200 people gathered as the Tinorangatiratanga and New Zealand flags rose to adorn the Katikati skyline on Waitangi Day.
People travelled in from surrounding areas to take part in the only official dawn service outside of Hopukiore (Mt Drury) that was proudly hosted by Western Bay Museum.
Hone Winder-Murray – Pou Mātauranga Māori (Māori Lead) of Western Bay Museum – said he was blown away with the turn out and that it was reassuring for organisers that this is an event that the community wants to commemorate.
“There was a real diverse turn-out for Waitangi and everyone who was there, was there because they wanted to be a part of something special. There were acknowledgements of the past and the national political climate of Te Tiriti, but moreover, the unity on the day showed great promise for the future of us here in the Katikati community and surrounding areas,” said Mr Winder-Murray.
The crowd included representatives from the three local marae of northern Tauranga Moana with Otawhiwhi Marae chairman Reon Tuanau opening the sharing section of the morning where selected guests were provided the opportunity to share “What Waitangi Day means to me”.
Guest speakers included Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer, Head Students of Katikati College Hamish Tanner and Leilani Rooks, Museum Volunteer and Katikati local Pauline McCowan, Tangata Whenua representation Aroha Koria and Ros Moffatt, originally of England who now calls Katikati home.
“Each speaker provided their own personal account of what Waitangi Day meant to them. There were differing views but each maintained an essence of celebrating who we are and what we can achieve together. During some parts of the speeches, emotions were high and the desires of some to learn more was heard loud and clear”, said Mr Winder-Murray.
Read a transcript of Ros Moffatt’s kōrero here.
Those gathered were treated to a BBQ breakfast in the park, followed by free movie viewings of “Whina” and “Boy” at the Katikati Arts Junction.
This event was made possible through funding Western Bay Museum received from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage and the museum acknowledges the generous support from community partners.
