About 300 guests were called on to the Otakau marae yesterday morning when the Otago Peninsula was again the setting for the South Island’s primary celebrations.
This year, acknowledging the Treaty signatories was a stated theme and Mr Ellison’s forebear Hoani Karetai signed the treaty at the site on June 13, 1840. As the 200th anniversary, in 2040, of the Treaty signing approached, an improving relationship between Maori and Government and the improving cultural relationship between Maori and Pakeha were equally important.
The document was central to New Zealand’s identity, yet the relationships it established were in the "early days still, believe it or not", Mr Ellison said.
"I would hope that in 2040 those partnerships are securely, or, well established. And that we really do have those partnerships functioning across all relationships that we have, both at a Crown governmental level, but also at a regional level," he said.
After the customary challenge to visitors was accepted, and the crowd settled on the marae grounds, several of the dignitaries, which included members of Parliament, mayors and other community leaders, spoke and offered koha to the hosts.
Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins reflected on the past 180 years of Pakeha "taking up too much space".
"This is about making space, and today is about relationships. And a relationship isn’t two people turning up. A relationship is — and a partnership is — a true partnership is two people, or two groups, coming together on an equal footing. And for us to be able to achieve that, those who have taken up too much room for far too long need to make a little space."
Speakers also paid tribute to the late Tahu Potiki, former Ngai Tahu chief executive, who died in August last year.
After the welcome, a Parihaumia performance opened the public celebrations at 11.30am, followed by speeches from Lisa Tumahai, Pirimia Burger, Peter Burger, Dr Michael Stevens, and Edward Ellison.
