2015 has been a significant year of commemoration and celebration for the people of Waikato-Tainui. Te Ara Taura Chairman, Rahui Papa says, next year they will celebrate another milestone with the 10th anniversary of Tuheitia as Māori king.
Another important commemoration was their Land Settlement signing in 1995.
“It's been 20 years since our Land Settlement was signed in 1995 and commemorations to acknowledge those who spearheaded our claim, who are no longer with us,” says Papa.
They also hosted Prince Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall onto Tūrangawaewae marae.
“The visit by the British Royal Household to our King's Marae was an extremely auspicious occasion for us,” says Papa.
The next big gathering for the people of Waikato-Tainui will be for the Poukai at Horahora Marae near Rangiriri on the 1st of January.