The peaceful, celebratory atmosphere at Ōtākou Marae was enjoyed by the many hundreds of locals and visitors who attended the Ngāi Tahu Treaty Festival on Waitangi Day.
Hosted by Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, the event began with a pōwhiri, attended by more than a thousand people, followed by waiata, performances, craft stalls, kai and kōrero.
An afternoon panel talk on the day’s theme "He Waka Unua, aukahatia, whakamatuatia" (Double-hulled canoe, bind the waka together to steady the journey ahead) provided a platform for mature discussion and differing perspectives.
Free buses to the event, provided by Otago Regional Council, were full both coming and going, and efficient traffic and parking management kept hassles to a minimum for attendees.
Ōtākou Marae upoko Edward Ellison said he was "absolutely thrilled" to see so many people travel to the marae on such a special day.
The people had come to enjoy themselves, "and take part in the kaupapa of Te Tiriti", he said.
Ngāi Tahu Waitangi Day commemorations are hosted on rotation by marae at Akaroa, Ruapuke Island and Ōtākou, as these are the three South Island places the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840.
