Te Kūiti Pā is expected to host more than 3000 people this weekend for the celebrations of Hikaka ki runga, Hikaka ki raro (the 150th anniversary of the meeting house) and Te Rangiwaituhi, featuring the formal apology by the Crown by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. PHOTO SUPPLIED
TOMORROW marks the start of a three-day celebration at the historic meeting house. The Te Kūiti Pā is will be the host marae to two major events during this period; recognising the 150-year anniversary commemoration – Hikaka ki runga, Hikaka ki raro – of the meeting house, known as Te Tokanganui-ā-Noho and the celebrations of the Treaty settlement – Te Rangiwaituhi. Sunday will feature the Crown apology to be delivered by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. More than 3000 people are expected to attend the celebrations across those days. A special ceremony will take place at dawn tomorrow ahead of the kawe mate and and the welcome for Hahi Ringatū. The ceremony will acknowledge the completed carving of the new waharoa (the entrance to the marae). Ngāti Rora carver Mike Wi designed it in keeping with Te Tokanganui-a-Noho tradition, and he and his team carved the ornate entranceway, now in place at the gate to the marae. No-one may pass through it before it is blessed and unveiled. Further events begin 11am and run into the evening. Saturday December 3: Saturday’s celebrations open with a karakia and flag raising at 7am. The crowd will take up vantage points surrounding the Pā for the pōwhiri at 10am on Saturday. Sunday December 4: Te Rangiwaituhi begins at 6am. A formal apology from Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister will be delivered, setting out Te Nehenehenui’s future relationship with the Crown. The Prime Minister will be onsite on Sunday morning. Other information: the road around the Pā will be closed, with detours for drivers travelling between State Highways 3 and 30. A negative Covid test is required on entry and the Pā will make tests available. King Country News has a special 20-page commemorative liftout edition featuring separate sections detailing the history of the Pā on one side and the way forward for the iwi of Maniapoto under Te Nehenehenui along with information for both events in today’s issue.
