Nga Puhi have Waitangi Day talks in city

Nga Puhi members in Southland are hoping a meeting this year with the Crown might garner more funds in the future for the tribe.

Two main events were held in Southland to mark Waitangi Day on Saturday: a gathering at the Te Tomairangi Marae in Invercargill, and a concert at the Riverton Soundshell.

Waitangi Day marae organiser Sheryl Henare said about 90 people celebrated the day at the Eye St marae.

The main discussion on the day was centred around the commemoration of the 170th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, she said.

Key points raised, included the important relationship between Maori and the Crown, she said.

Nga Puhi iwi hope to send a kaumatua from Southland to Waitangi in March to represent them during treaty talks between the Crown and Nga Puhi.

Nga Puhi want to focus on education, health and employment and after the talks they hope to be apply to the Crown for funding, she said.

Celebrations at the marae started at 6am with a powhiri, followed by breakfast.

"It was a perfect start to the day and we all experienced wairua (spiritual feelings) uplifting," Miss Henare said.

Guests on the marae included Invercargill Labour Party chairwoman Lesley Soper, South-ern Institute of Technogy busi-ness manager Bharat Guha and iwi.

In Riverton, about 500 people turned up to the soundshell to listen to live music.

Organiser Karen Bickley said it was a fantastic day.

"The Bob Marley tribute songs played by Dub Frequency were excellent, Ms Mickley said.

"We had a great family day out."

Other bands who performed included the Flax Boys, The Yard Men, Kramit, Soul Deep, Big Hammer and Left or Right.

Yesterday, Sergeant Wing Ng, of Invercargill, said Waitangi Day was a beautiful day and police had no issues with behaviour at celebrations.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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