Date2017DescriptionWaitangi Day in Tauranga was commemorated with a dawn service at Hopukiore (Mount Drury) on Monday 6 February 2017 from 6am. At 6.30am the Ratana Band played before a whakatau (welcome) and singing of the hymn 'Aue e Ihu' followed by an opening karakia, church blessing and hymn 'He Honore._x000D_
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Civic leaders spoke from 7am followed by an open forum and the national anthem. The Waiata International Group were followed by rangatahi (youth) speakers, a closing karakia, the hymn 'Whakaria Mai', the Rantana Band and hakari (breakfast) at Whareroa Marae for kaumātua / kuia and dignitaries._x000D_
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Photographs by Lee Switzer._x000D_
_x000D_ Photographer/CreatorSwitzer, Lee