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National | Governor General

Kohupatiki Marae celebrate 175 years since Treaty was signed

Kohupatiki Marae in Clive marked 175 years since the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.  Kaumātua there say the Treaty is still relevant today and Māori must continue the fight to keep it that way for future generations.

Governor General Jerry Mateparae was welcomed on to the marae to mark a special day in the history of the region.

Kaumātua Bevan Taylor says, "The main thing is that he is of Kahungunu descent, it makes us very happy."

Harlem-Cruz Ihaia says, "It is such an important day and a special one for all the Kohupatiki family.  We've been practising for ages."

At the mouth of Tukituki River Ngāti Kahungunu paramount chief Te Hapuku, Waikato and Mahikai all signed the treaty in June 1840.

Maihi Cook says, "There's a lot for to be learnt in today for us young ones, the big thing is that the Governor General is here today, that's a big deal for Kohupatiki Marae as well as the wider area of Ngāti Kahungunu."

Elders here believe that Māori must continue the fight to have the principles of the Treaty fulfilled.

Taylor says, "We must stand strong, we as Māori of today and the future generations, the challenge is now to the Government to adhere to the Treaty principles and not to trample on the mana of our ancestors who signed it."

Local kaumātua say that at first Te Hapuku did not want to sign the Treaty but ended up signing under duress.