KoreroKoreroKorero Autumn 2010

News from WAITANGI TREATY GROUNDS

Our spectacular summerOur spectacular summerOur spectacular summer

CEO COMMENDED IN NEW ZEALANDER OF THE YEAR AWARDS CEO COMMENDED IN NEW ZEALANDER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

JOYFUL AND MEMORABLE WAITANGI DAY JOYFUL AND MEMORABLE WAITANGI DAY

PM OPENS NEW WELCOME CENTREPM OPENS NEW WELCOME CENTRE

Check our winter times at www.waitangi.net.nz

Korero Korero Korero

P rime Minister John Key, opposition leader Phil Goff and Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias

were among those called to lead karakia before dawn, as the traditional service at the Whare Runanga began the day at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Around 1200 people sat outside listening attentively while inside the packed the meeting house Rev Hone Sadler invited various leaders and local figures to pray. The Prime Minister thanked those who gathered at the Treaty Grounds 170 years ago with “the courage, the vision and the wisdom to realise that our great nation could be a country where we understand each other’s culture and build a place where our children and grandchildren can grow up and enjoy the very best of the world.”

Both party leaders prayed for our forces overseas, and the celebrant invited representatives of each of the armed forces to add a prayer.

As the leaders left the service and the sky began to colour, piper Bain McGregor played in the dawn under the Treaty Grounds flagstaff. Just one shower cloud passed and the weather soon began to warm, setting the scene for a busy and involving family day.

Waitangi DayWaitangi Day 20102010

Peaceful crowds, the enthusiasm of the Prime Minister (pictured here with Waitangi Chair Pita Paraone and CEO Jeanette Richardson), a record number of community and market stalls, and the return of the diplomatic corps, all contributed to one of the most friendly and positive Waitangi Days ever.

Book your special occasion at Waitangi now - our history is your future

Korero Korero Korero

W aka activities focussing around the return of the huge

Ngatokimatawhaorua to the sea after refurbishment, and on its 70th birthday, were a unique and stirring aspect of the day. Onlookers gathered en-masse on the opposite side of the Waitangi bridge to witness the waka spectacle, causing a rush of foot traffic onto the grounds mid-morning.

The park-n-ride facility to Haruru Falls was kept busy and at its peak, shuttle coaches were transporting 300 people at a time, says Deputy CEO Andy Larsen.

The Navy Band was another obvious highlight, with crowds returning to the clifftop grounds late in the afternoon for Beat Retreat and the flag lowering ceremonies which traditionally end the formal part of the day.

CEO Jeanette Richardson says over 35,000 admissions were counted. “Considering this was not a long holiday weekend, we could not be more pleased with the turnout and the easy, friendly atmosphere. With a wonderful effort from staff and volunteers, and with all our newly-opened facilities operating seamlessly, we are confident of our capability to handle increased numbers as even more

people come home to Waitangi - either for future celebrations of our birthday or for other large events.” Festivities continued over nearly three days with a range of world music and other stage entertainment, and the finals of the Treaty Grounds’ inaugural trophy for the Maori ball game Ki-o-rahi. The free evening concerts at Hobson’s Beach were again well attended, featuring Whirimako Black, and Ray Woolf with the Rodger Fox Big Band.

2010 at Waitangi2010 at Waitangi

TVNZ created the graphic above for their Waitangi Day coverage. Meantime, drawing detailed pictures in sound, the country’s best-known radio broadcaster, Kim Hill, anchored one of the three live media broadcasts that brought “Waitangi Day at Waitangi” into the homes of New Zealand. Falling under her spell during the three hour show were master waka carver Hec Busby (below), waka captain Joe Conrad, Navy band music director Lt Cdr Keith Anderson, Det Supt Michael Pannett, Waitangi Chair Pita Paraone and Land Of

Plenty performer Daniel Morrison.

Kim was in full flight of quirky curiosity and humour, and was impressed that Daniel was able to give a confident live rendition of the Waitangi Anthem, as the 30-strong Navy

band struck up close by. Having confessed to growing up wanting to be a fireman, the singing quantity surveyor also spoke to Kim of Willow Mackie, the composer of the anthem.

During the course of an almost half-hour interview, master carver “Hec” Busby told Kim Hill he had been coming to Waitangi since 1970 – and every year since 1974. He said he began “looking after” the iconic waka Ngatokimatawhaorua in 1976.

A bridge builder by trade, Hec said he took to the sea when he ran out of bridges! He had been especially looking forward to the waka flotilla that saluted Ngatoki on the morning of Waitangi Day 2010. “I think I’ve done eight or nine canoes out of all that are here. I’ve built 26 now.”

What makes a good waka captain, asked Hill? “One that looks after the crew. You can’t paddle a waka on your own,” chuckled the carver. The interview took the time to allow

Hec to let listeners into his world of waka.

“In 1940 there were only two canoes here in the north, now there are 22 – and they still want me to build some more. As long as I am walking around I will – I love it!”

Sitting at Hobson’s beach as kaihoe lifted waka into the water, the carver finished with a good-humoured footnote – almost a thought spoken out loud. “I miss being on the water. And I’m not used to getting old!”

Guided tours continue throughout winter - book now

Korero Korero Korero

W hen Ashton Kaa found the Ngati Porou-carved pou in the meeting house at

Waitangi Treaty Grounds, he couldn’t help touching it, and wiping away a tear.

Visiting on one of the Treaty Grounds’ record-breaking days this summer, with friend David Newton, an executive of the Victoria Museum in Melbourne, the Gisborne man touring his homeland told the Treaty Grounds CEO that his Waitangi experience prompted him to learn Te Reo Maori. “It (the meeting house) was a really emotional experience. I touched every single carving and tried to connect with the carvers and get a sense of what it was like.

I’ve lived overseas for a long period and I knew this coming home would be very significant for me.

“This holds much more significance for me than somewhere like Rotorua, which is more touristy – this is where Maori and Pakeha actually came together. I think it’s really important for all New Zealanders to connect to this. It’s inspired me to learn the language and I’m fully committed to that.” Melbourne-based David Newton said he had been a frequent visitor to New Zealand, but like many visitors to the Treaty Grounds, he had come for the first time to learn the history of what he hoped will

be his new home country.

His first impression were how much the Treaty Grounds and its new entry building “felt like a marae”. It placed Maori and European relations in a superb, historical content, he said. “It also has a sense of low impact, nestling into the environment in forested surroundings.”

Treaty Grounds CEO Jeanette Richardson had noticed the effect the Whare Runanga and its carvings were having on the pair, and volunteered to walk with them during part of their visit. “To have visitors so moved by Waitangi is very gratifying,” she said.

Ngati Porou visitor moved

TVNZ, Maori Television, Sky and TV3 were also busy at both the Treaty grounds and Tii Beach, ad they also worked with Waitangi National Trust to introduce some of the people behind the success of the commommorations.

On TVNZ’s Breakfast, Tamati Coffey co-presented with Jack Tame, who asked retiring Cdr Frank Rands (pictured) about his best memories of the last seven years with the Navy at Waitangi Day. “The last three”,

commented Frank quickly. “It’s a family affair, and the Navy are proud to be here”.

Joe Conrad spoke to Tamati about over twenty waka that were clearly favourites of the crowd around both sides of the Waitangi estauary. It equalled the 1990 flotilla, explained Joe Conrad . He told the TV audience about “the two Ngatokimatawhaoruas, the two Matatous – Puhi and Torua - the two canoes that were

carved at the same time as big Ngatoki was carved 70 years ago (those are the Tainui canoes) and our little canoe that has taken us around the world, Te Ika o Maui or sometimes we call it Mokopuna.”

The Conrad brothers could be seen in command of waka, as aerial shots from the television helicopter kept viewers entertained by the spectacle on the bay.

Broadcasters burrow beneath Waitangi Day at Waitangi

Add to your special occasion with our Waitangi cultural performers

Korero Korero Korero

F ormer MP Pita Paraone is the new chair of the Waitangi National Trust Board. He

replaces Jeremy Williams who steps down after three years in the role, but remains on the

Board in the seat reserved for a member of the family of Archdeacon Henry Williams, one of the key figures in the history of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Jeremy has been chair, and previously deputy chair, of the Board in a time of major improvement in the infrastructure of the Treaty Grounds. He leaves the role at a high point, with the completion of the new welcome centre and two other new amenity buildings. These mark the completion of a five million dollar project last year that included re-roofing the historic Treaty House, and refurbishing the world’s largest waka.

Pita was born in the Bay of Islands. He has

been on the Trust Board since 1997, in the seat specified for a member of the Hone Heke, Kawiti, Waka Nene and Pomare chiefly families. He is currently based in Whangarei. The Board also welcomes a new member to represent the family of Edward Gibbon Wakefield, Tauranga-based police officer Stuart Graham.

Board Changes

PM applauds CEO for commendation

P rime Minister John Key on the eve of Waitangi Day joined board members of

the Waitangi National Trust in acknowledging chief executive Jeanette Richardson for her highly-commended citation in the inaugural New Zealander of the Year Awards. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Jeanette to be in that category,” said Mr Key.

At the luncheon hosted by the Board at Waitangi, and in the presence of the Governor-General, the Prime Minister supported comments made by other speakers applauding Jeanette Richardson’s vision and leadership. “Jeanette is not only very good at what she does, she is a thoroughly nice person,” added Mr Key before making a presentation. He joked, as he handed Jeanette a wrapped book, that she could well have been the author.

The New Zealander of the Year Awards recognise those who foster a sense of national pride, unity and inspiration.

Immediate past chair of the board, Jeremy Williams commented that the facilities at the

Treaty Grounds, and the management structure which supports them, are almost unrecognisable from what they were when the Trust Board appointed Jeanette nine years ago. “The Board’s long-held ambitions for free entry for New Zealanders, multiplication of our visitor numbers and the facilities we needed to welcome them, and the dramatic but authentic presentation of our bicultural heritage - these are all areas where Jeanette has contributed.

“Faithful to the founding benefactors Lord and Lady Bledisloe’s wishes, the Trust has achieved all this growth while remaining self-funding. To do this, with commercial savvy and cultural sensitivity, is an extraordinary achievement, piloted by Jeanette during the course of several chairpersons, most recently myself, before that Dame Silvia Cartwright, and now Pita Paraone.

Board member and Paramount Chief, Sir Tumu Te Heu Heu, commented: “I have seen the strength that she has bestowed not only on the Trust but also on the community at large. It is a privilege and an honour for myself and the

board to be here and to share these good things.”

Jeanette Richardson paid tribute to her supportive family, and to the loyalty and dedication of staff at Waitangi, and thanked them for their part in the advances at the Treaty Grounds during a very positive year.

The Prime Minister also opened the latest in a series of new visitor facilities and buildings at the Treaty Grounds, commenting on “the magnificent new building” which now forms the gateway to the nation’s birthplace. “I think in the future the Treaty Grounds will continue to develop and grow. They probably represent the most historical site in New Zealand’s history.”

Mr Key also paid tribute to members of the diplomatic corps returning to Waitangi. “It adds a new dimension to Waitangi Day and its significance to New Zealand when the members of the diplomatic corps that come from all parts of the world come to represent their country at the birthplace of modern New Zealand.”

Waitangi National Trust, 1 Tau Henare Drive, PaihiaWaitangi National Trust, 1 Tau Henare Drive, Paihia

Phone +64 (0)9 402 7437 www.waitangi.net.nzPhone +64 (0)9 402 7437 www.waitangi.net.nz

T he originators of New Zealand sauvignon blanc, and the great-

great-grandson of our first winemaker, were among those who joined author Keith Stewart at Waitangi Treaty Grounds on 20th March to mark the 170th anniversary of winemaking in New Zealand. It was in May 1840 that explorer Dumont D’Urville rowed into Waitangi from his ship in the bay, and wrote of his enjoyment of Waitangi wine. “On 14th March he came up to the Treaty House but Busby wasn’t home,” says Stewart.

“He was offered a port, but noticing the vines, he asked about the wine at Waitangi. He was given a glass of what he described as ‘light, white, sparking and very delicious’ wine.”

Following a tour of what is believed to be the location of the first vineyard, on the lawns of the Treaty House, dignitaries and guests from the worlds of wine and history toasted Stewart’s book Chancers and Visionaries which was launched at the March function.

“Waitangi is the birthplace of our nation and also of New Zealand wine and food,” said Keith Stewart. He gave examples of all the fruit and produce introduced by James Busby, who is credited with planting the first wine vineyard in front of the historic Treaty House. Waitangi National Trust Deputy Chair, David Jefferd (pictured left with Keith) is the current Busby descendant on the board. He thanked Stewart for providing new insights onto his great-

great-grandfather’s life and his passion for viticulture. Busby’s reference book on the subject is among his papers on display at the Treaty House.

Guests later gathered at the Treaty Grounds’ new welcome centre to sample food reminiscent of the fare from Busby’s era, including wild pig, Maori potatoes, local oysters, cockles, and a canapé described as “moa”.

First glass celebration KoreroKoreroKorero

O n 5th March, a stunningly fine Northland day and a stirring Waitangi powhiri

welcomed several hundred passengers and crew of the Queen Mary 2. After a lively challenge under trees in front of the Treaty House, the visitors entered the carved whare runanga for songs, speeches and a traditional haka.

Returning to Waitangi for the first time in 30 years, the ship’s Hotel Director, David Stephenson (right), accepted the gift of a glass koru from Chief Executive of the Waitangi National Trust Jeanette Richardson, promising it would be displayed aboard the ship. He recalled his previous visits on the original Oriana and Arcadia and the Sea Princess, and complimented the Waitangi National Trust on its stewardship. “It’s wonderful to see that you have managed to

maintain the serenity of this area; it’s still a very peaceful, a very beautiful place. We couldn’t fail to be impressed by the atmosphere, and the reverence you all have for it – it is truly magical.”

Cunard Line and Waitangi share a birthday, said David Stephenson. “We both came of age in 1840. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed, and it was then that the Britannia and her three sister ships, the Acradia, Calendonia and Columbia started their regular trans-Atlantic service. The Britannia was 1154 tons and travelled at a speed of eight-and-a-half knots. It took 14 days to cross the Atlantic. The Queen Mary 2 by comparison is capable of travelling at over 30 knots, weighs 150,000 tons, and could cross the Atlantic in about for-and-a-half days.”

Chief Executive Jeanette Richardson hosted ship’s officers to lunch and spoke of the significance of the sea in bringing Maori, waves of immigrants, and now tens of thousands of cruise passengers annually to the Bay of Islands and the Treaty Grounds. Along with key members of staff she then conducted a visit to the waka Ngatokimatawhaorua and answered questions on the Year of the Waka and the refurbished ceremonial canoe.

The ship’s officers left, commenting on the “sincere and natural” welcome, and suggesting that Waitangi would remain an important port of call for the Queen Mary 2, as it has become for other ships in the last few years.

As Tui in the Treaty Grounds treetops began their evensong, the 2500 guests and 1230 crew sailed out on the next leg of their world cruise. “We’ve had a wonderful visit,” commented David Stephenson. “It has been an honour to participate in this wonderful cultural ceremony. We’re all looking very much forward to coming back in February of next year.”

“Magical” Waitangi & Cunard share impressive history