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Waitangi by Trish Gray
Summary Please note: This article was originally part of Tauranga City Library's 'Tauranga Memories' website (2011-2020). To your right the 'Archived Kete Link', if present, will take you to a snapshot of the original record. Tauranga Memories was made of several focus areas, called 'baskets'. This article was part of the New Zealand Society of Authors Bay of Plenty basket. It was first licenced under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 New Zealand License at http://tauranga.kete.net.nz/new_zealand_society_of_authors_bay_of_plenty/topics/show/420. Initially created 20/02/2012, it underwent 7 edit, the last edit being 15/10/2016. Editors included: Tauranga City Libraries staff (Debbie McCauley) and Tauranga City Libraries staff (Harley Couper). The original article may have included links, images etc that are not present here.DescriptionWaitangi.
Nga Puhi tribal territory.
This is a place all New Zealanders should try to visit. There you’ll find the story that’s relevant to our history and our beginnings.
On four occasions I have taken the easy, scenic walk from Pahia, along the coastal path to the bridge over the Waitangi River leading into the Waitangi Reserve. Entering the grounds through the Visitors’ Centre was down a winding, shaded passageway, lined with tall ferns. Soft music welcomed and indulged me with a feeling of presence; overtaking my mood to allow a spiritual, peaceful sensation to swamp over.
In the theatrette I sat and waited in the gloom for a 15-minute film to commence, which tells viewers how we began as a nation. A couple, about my age, joined me.
“Hi, there,” I ventured. “Holidaying in New Zealand?”
“No, we’re from down south. We want to learn a bit about our history and this place.”
“Me, too. Funny how our generation haven’t learnt a lot. Sixties education didn’t include too much.”
“And I didn’t chase this up after leaving school, either, other things to do. Other things to learn. Didn’t think about it.”
This is my point.
To enjoy the beauty of the Reserve I took the passageway that led the way to the main grounds where great portraits of celebrated chiefs looked down on me; serious tattooed faces glowering, seemingly checking my worth. Then exploding into view was breathtaking scenery; typical New Zealand bush. Abundant bird-life led the way, along a mango boardwalk, and into the heritage gardens.
What a joy!
I now know these gardens were developed by New Zealand’s first British Resident, James Busby, a well-read man of considerable ability and a devoted gardener and horticulturist. He was appointed by the Governor of (then) New South Wales, Australia, who at the time had a certain amount of interest and jurisdiction over New Zealand.
One of Busby’s first jobs after being appointed British Resident was to create a nursery for his cuttings of fruit trees, shrubs, vegetables, flowers and grape vines. During the Busby era the gardens were at the height of their glory. Martin McLean in The Garden of New Zealand records what the visiting American Consul J.B. Williams said: “... a more delightful and romantic spot would be difficult to find in the bay…Mr. Busby has displayed great taste.”
I ogled the cabbage trees Busby planted, along with a couple of camellias and a rose bush. You have to marvel when you realise these plantings have survived through the years. What a fantastic thought! A stand of totara trees have grown up, along with pohutekawa, most of them planted by visiting Governors General and other dignitaries. The Norfolk Pine Agnes Busby planted didn’t escape my attention, either. Glorious! I loved it. As a keen gardener I appreciated what was, what is.
The Treaty House was and still is the focal point of the Waitangi Reserve, built in 1834 for British Resident James Busby. Resources confirm this now-refurbished home has had a chequered life, fortunately escaping destruction on many occasions. This house lurched between being a fine home for the Busby family, through to being, and including, accommodation for visitors and visiting dignitaries and a meeting place for tribal and pakeha leaders. Eventually, after being used by several well-meaning owners, being used as impromptu soldiers’ quarters and as a shearing shed proved too much for the house to survive without major repairs, restoration, and reconstruction.
The threat of demolition and destruction was a reality until providence prevailed. The building was rescued in 1932 by Lord and Lady Bledisloe who gifted it to New Zealand. The Bledisloes stipulated, as a condition of purchase, renovation was to be completed in time for the Centennial. Once again the house was revived and renamed with its current title The Treaty House. It is now a well-preserved building and icon of New Zealand, and a house where I spent a lot of time wandering through; reading the history of previous owners, restoration methods, probable living conditions and a few quotations, humorous or not, from visitors of the day. The Treaty House is Interesting, historical, educational and a must-see visit for New Zealanders.
As part of the Centennial commemorations, Lord Bledisloe laid a foundation stone for Te Whare Runanga, located close to the Treaty House, a gift instigated by Nga Puhi and intended as a marae for all New Zealanders. Both buildings, The Treaty House and Te Whare Runanga, mark the relationship between the two peoples. He iwi tahi tatau (we are now one people) endorses what William Hobson said when each chief signed the Treaty of Waitangi.
As I walked through Te Whare Runanga I tried hard to understand the handsome carvings on virtually every wooden surface. Each contained richness and recognized information from many tribes about the ancestors and traditions of Maori. Individual carvings represent tribal ancestors, chiefs and cultural beliefs. Prominent amongst the carvings is recognition of the Nga Puhi tribe on whose land the marae is sited. Thank goodness a guide was on hand to take me through, and explain the meaning of everything while I eagerly swallowed the information, promising myself to read and research much more.
Waitangi Day 6th February was a day my husband and I enjoyed to its maximum. Thousands of visitors, mainly tourists it seemed, had arrived to enjoy the meaning of New Zealand’s greatest historical day. Official, spirited speeches peppered the day, lively waiata got toes tapping, and cultural performances attracted smiling, appreciative audiences. Everyone was involved: kids did kapahaka, girls performed with the poi, men the haka, guides explained this or that and the great waka Ngatokimatawhaorua bobbed in the harbour. What a sight. Food stalls were everywhere.
Maori always take an essential role when major festivities and celebrations take place on Waitangi Estate. I’ve been part of celebrations, festivities and official events on many occasions, but, on that day I saw passion as I’ve never seen before. The passion of Maori on their day at their official place was something to behold as they proudly demonstrated their culture. It was an awesome day and comes highly recommended to everyone for finding out for themselves what this day is all about. I’ve talked about this day many times as not nearly enough Kiwis experience a visit to Waitangi on Waitangi Day.
We had arrived in Pahia two days beforehand and found the place buzzing, with plenty of activities in progress. Waka were being rowed around the harbour with rides offered to those who wanted to pay a few dollars. The navy frigate moored in the bay was waiting to take its part in the Waitangi Day celebration with a 21-gun salute, and a steady stream of people gathered in all corners awaiting some kind of action.
On the lower marae, Te Tiriti O Waitangi, Nga Puhi had prepared a carnival-like atmosphere. Many stalls had been set up to display one part or another of Maori customs. We wandered through the grounds looking at memorabilia, ate their food and picked up leaflets telling stories of the past and information about the local tribe. Two hefty Maori men, teetering on three-legged stools at the entrance of a tent, beckoned us closer as they demonstrated tattoos.
“Shall we?” I suggested to my husband. He was hesitant.
“Come on, they only last a few days.”
Still hesitant!
“We came here to enjoy our heritage, the culture and learn things, so let’s really throw ourselves into this.”
A sigh emanated from him. Was I getting through, or not? I persevered.
“You were willing to get a henna snake painted down your arm at Dubai. That lasted two weeks. These are only for five days.”
Still no reply.
“Well, I am.”
I sat down beside one of the tattooists, flicked through a selection of armbands, then rolled up my sleeves. Over my shoulder I noticed my husband doing the same. I think he was pleased he did. I was. We showed off the simple 6cm wide decorations standing out on our pale, pakeha upper arms for the duration of our time in Pahia.
When I talk about our experience on Waitangi Day I often get a rebuff, as if to say, “But why go there? It’s full of protestors?”
I believe this is what is talked about the most on radio and television and in newspapers. We had gone to find out what really goes on and found this day is far from what is reported. What a shame!
This is truly a place I want to bring, firstly, to the attention of New Zealanders, also to show off to overseas visitors, to learn about it, to talk about it.
I think of Waitangi as a place where we as a nation began. A place to be proud of.
Bibliography:
BASSETT, J., SINCLAIR, K. & STENSON, M. The Story of New Zealand. Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd, Auckland. 1985.
BOON, K. The Treaty of Waitangi. Waiatarua Publishing, Auckland. 1999
KING, M. Maori: a Photographic and Social History. Reed Books, Auckland. 1983
McKINLAY, A.D. Waitangi: Seed of Nationhood. n.d.
McLEAN, M. The Garden of New Zealand: a History of the Waitangi Treaty House and Grounds from pre-European Times to Present. Science and Research Internal Report No.76. 1990
McLEAN, G. 100 Historic Places In New Zealand. Hodder Moa Beckett Publishers Ltd, Auckland. 2002
NAUMANN, R. Our Treaty: The Treaty of Waitangi 1840 to the Present. New House Publishers Ltd, Auckland. 2002
NEW ZEALAND HISTORIC PLACES TRUST. Historic Buildings of New Zealand, North Island. Waitangi Treaty Houses. Text by R.M. Ross. Cassell Ltd., Auckland. 1979
New Zealand Heritage, Volume 1. Ref. 993 (2) Vol.1. n.d.
ORANGE, C. The Story of a Treaty. Allen & Unwin, Wellington. 1989
ORANGE, C. An Illustrated History of the Treaty Of Waitangi. Allen & Unwin, Wellington. 1990.
ORANGE, C. An Illustrated History of the Treaty of Waitangi. 2nd rev. ed. Bridget Williams Books Ltd, Wellington. 2004
SHAW, P. Waitangi. Cosmos Publications, Napier. 1992
The Book of New Zealand Women (Ko Kui Ma Te Kaupapa.) Compiled by Agnes Busby & Sandra Coney. Bridget Williams Books Ltd., Wellington. 1991
VAGGIOLI, D.F. History of New Zealand and Its Inhabitants. Translated by J. Crockett. University of Otago Press, Dunedin. 2000.
Various websites: Treaty of Waitangi, NZ Historic Places Trust, The New Zealand Company and The Colonisation Of New Zealand from New Zealand in History website, Waitangi National Trust, Friends of West Norwood Cemetery
About the writer: This story is taken, in part, from an exercise recently completed by Trish Gray (and unpublished.) The bibliography acknowledges the resources she used on this occasion. Trish has enjoyed various writing successes, including two books independently published - Tangiwai: Weeping Waters, a booklet with photographs and graphics, and Role Reversal, a full length book on travel with many coloured photos. She is presently working on another, a collection of short stories.
She is a member of Toastmasters New Zealand and of Business & Professional Women. She adds, “Learning Maori language is another feature of my week. My garden doesn’t get neglected nor does the gym, art class or my home!”
‘Waitangi’ was written for the Memoir & Local History Competition 2011, run annually by the New Zealand Society of Authors (Bay of Plenty Region) with support from Tauranga Writers.
----
This page archived at Perma CC in October of 2016: https://perma.cc/M6MW-PXDJ
Nga Puhi tribal territory.
This is a place all New Zealanders should try to visit. There you’ll find the story that’s relevant to our history and our beginnings.
On four occasions I have taken the easy, scenic walk from Pahia, along the coastal path to the bridge over the Waitangi River leading into the Waitangi Reserve. Entering the grounds through the Visitors’ Centre was down a winding, shaded passageway, lined with tall ferns. Soft music welcomed and indulged me with a feeling of presence; overtaking my mood to allow a spiritual, peaceful sensation to swamp over.
In the theatrette I sat and waited in the gloom for a 15-minute film to commence, which tells viewers how we began as a nation. A couple, about my age, joined me.
“Hi, there,” I ventured. “Holidaying in New Zealand?”
“No, we’re from down south. We want to learn a bit about our history and this place.”
“Me, too. Funny how our generation haven’t learnt a lot. Sixties education didn’t include too much.”
“And I didn’t chase this up after leaving school, either, other things to do. Other things to learn. Didn’t think about it.”
This is my point.
To enjoy the beauty of the Reserve I took the passageway that led the way to the main grounds where great portraits of celebrated chiefs looked down on me; serious tattooed faces glowering, seemingly checking my worth. Then exploding into view was breathtaking scenery; typical New Zealand bush. Abundant bird-life led the way, along a mango boardwalk, and into the heritage gardens.
What a joy!
I now know these gardens were developed by New Zealand’s first British Resident, James Busby, a well-read man of considerable ability and a devoted gardener and horticulturist. He was appointed by the Governor of (then) New South Wales, Australia, who at the time had a certain amount of interest and jurisdiction over New Zealand.
One of Busby’s first jobs after being appointed British Resident was to create a nursery for his cuttings of fruit trees, shrubs, vegetables, flowers and grape vines. During the Busby era the gardens were at the height of their glory. Martin McLean in The Garden of New Zealand records what the visiting American Consul J.B. Williams said: “... a more delightful and romantic spot would be difficult to find in the bay…Mr. Busby has displayed great taste.”
I ogled the cabbage trees Busby planted, along with a couple of camellias and a rose bush. You have to marvel when you realise these plantings have survived through the years. What a fantastic thought! A stand of totara trees have grown up, along with pohutekawa, most of them planted by visiting Governors General and other dignitaries. The Norfolk Pine Agnes Busby planted didn’t escape my attention, either. Glorious! I loved it. As a keen gardener I appreciated what was, what is.
The Treaty House was and still is the focal point of the Waitangi Reserve, built in 1834 for British Resident James Busby. Resources confirm this now-refurbished home has had a chequered life, fortunately escaping destruction on many occasions. This house lurched between being a fine home for the Busby family, through to being, and including, accommodation for visitors and visiting dignitaries and a meeting place for tribal and pakeha leaders. Eventually, after being used by several well-meaning owners, being used as impromptu soldiers’ quarters and as a shearing shed proved too much for the house to survive without major repairs, restoration, and reconstruction.
The threat of demolition and destruction was a reality until providence prevailed. The building was rescued in 1932 by Lord and Lady Bledisloe who gifted it to New Zealand. The Bledisloes stipulated, as a condition of purchase, renovation was to be completed in time for the Centennial. Once again the house was revived and renamed with its current title The Treaty House. It is now a well-preserved building and icon of New Zealand, and a house where I spent a lot of time wandering through; reading the history of previous owners, restoration methods, probable living conditions and a few quotations, humorous or not, from visitors of the day. The Treaty House is Interesting, historical, educational and a must-see visit for New Zealanders.
As part of the Centennial commemorations, Lord Bledisloe laid a foundation stone for Te Whare Runanga, located close to the Treaty House, a gift instigated by Nga Puhi and intended as a marae for all New Zealanders. Both buildings, The Treaty House and Te Whare Runanga, mark the relationship between the two peoples. He iwi tahi tatau (we are now one people) endorses what William Hobson said when each chief signed the Treaty of Waitangi.
As I walked through Te Whare Runanga I tried hard to understand the handsome carvings on virtually every wooden surface. Each contained richness and recognized information from many tribes about the ancestors and traditions of Maori. Individual carvings represent tribal ancestors, chiefs and cultural beliefs. Prominent amongst the carvings is recognition of the Nga Puhi tribe on whose land the marae is sited. Thank goodness a guide was on hand to take me through, and explain the meaning of everything while I eagerly swallowed the information, promising myself to read and research much more.
Waitangi Day 6th February was a day my husband and I enjoyed to its maximum. Thousands of visitors, mainly tourists it seemed, had arrived to enjoy the meaning of New Zealand’s greatest historical day. Official, spirited speeches peppered the day, lively waiata got toes tapping, and cultural performances attracted smiling, appreciative audiences. Everyone was involved: kids did kapahaka, girls performed with the poi, men the haka, guides explained this or that and the great waka Ngatokimatawhaorua bobbed in the harbour. What a sight. Food stalls were everywhere.
Maori always take an essential role when major festivities and celebrations take place on Waitangi Estate. I’ve been part of celebrations, festivities and official events on many occasions, but, on that day I saw passion as I’ve never seen before. The passion of Maori on their day at their official place was something to behold as they proudly demonstrated their culture. It was an awesome day and comes highly recommended to everyone for finding out for themselves what this day is all about. I’ve talked about this day many times as not nearly enough Kiwis experience a visit to Waitangi on Waitangi Day.
We had arrived in Pahia two days beforehand and found the place buzzing, with plenty of activities in progress. Waka were being rowed around the harbour with rides offered to those who wanted to pay a few dollars. The navy frigate moored in the bay was waiting to take its part in the Waitangi Day celebration with a 21-gun salute, and a steady stream of people gathered in all corners awaiting some kind of action.
On the lower marae, Te Tiriti O Waitangi, Nga Puhi had prepared a carnival-like atmosphere. Many stalls had been set up to display one part or another of Maori customs. We wandered through the grounds looking at memorabilia, ate their food and picked up leaflets telling stories of the past and information about the local tribe. Two hefty Maori men, teetering on three-legged stools at the entrance of a tent, beckoned us closer as they demonstrated tattoos.
“Shall we?” I suggested to my husband. He was hesitant.
“Come on, they only last a few days.”
Still hesitant!
“We came here to enjoy our heritage, the culture and learn things, so let’s really throw ourselves into this.”
A sigh emanated from him. Was I getting through, or not? I persevered.
“You were willing to get a henna snake painted down your arm at Dubai. That lasted two weeks. These are only for five days.”
Still no reply.
“Well, I am.”
I sat down beside one of the tattooists, flicked through a selection of armbands, then rolled up my sleeves. Over my shoulder I noticed my husband doing the same. I think he was pleased he did. I was. We showed off the simple 6cm wide decorations standing out on our pale, pakeha upper arms for the duration of our time in Pahia.
When I talk about our experience on Waitangi Day I often get a rebuff, as if to say, “But why go there? It’s full of protestors?”
I believe this is what is talked about the most on radio and television and in newspapers. We had gone to find out what really goes on and found this day is far from what is reported. What a shame!
This is truly a place I want to bring, firstly, to the attention of New Zealanders, also to show off to overseas visitors, to learn about it, to talk about it.
I think of Waitangi as a place where we as a nation began. A place to be proud of.
Bibliography:
BASSETT, J., SINCLAIR, K. & STENSON, M. The Story of New Zealand. Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd, Auckland. 1985.
BOON, K. The Treaty of Waitangi. Waiatarua Publishing, Auckland. 1999
KING, M. Maori: a Photographic and Social History. Reed Books, Auckland. 1983
McKINLAY, A.D. Waitangi: Seed of Nationhood. n.d.
McLEAN, M. The Garden of New Zealand: a History of the Waitangi Treaty House and Grounds from pre-European Times to Present. Science and Research Internal Report No.76. 1990
McLEAN, G. 100 Historic Places In New Zealand. Hodder Moa Beckett Publishers Ltd, Auckland. 2002
NAUMANN, R. Our Treaty: The Treaty of Waitangi 1840 to the Present. New House Publishers Ltd, Auckland. 2002
NEW ZEALAND HISTORIC PLACES TRUST. Historic Buildings of New Zealand, North Island. Waitangi Treaty Houses. Text by R.M. Ross. Cassell Ltd., Auckland. 1979
New Zealand Heritage, Volume 1. Ref. 993 (2) Vol.1. n.d.
ORANGE, C. The Story of a Treaty. Allen & Unwin, Wellington. 1989
ORANGE, C. An Illustrated History of the Treaty Of Waitangi. Allen & Unwin, Wellington. 1990.
ORANGE, C. An Illustrated History of the Treaty of Waitangi. 2nd rev. ed. Bridget Williams Books Ltd, Wellington. 2004
SHAW, P. Waitangi. Cosmos Publications, Napier. 1992
The Book of New Zealand Women (Ko Kui Ma Te Kaupapa.) Compiled by Agnes Busby & Sandra Coney. Bridget Williams Books Ltd., Wellington. 1991
VAGGIOLI, D.F. History of New Zealand and Its Inhabitants. Translated by J. Crockett. University of Otago Press, Dunedin. 2000.
Various websites: Treaty of Waitangi, NZ Historic Places Trust, The New Zealand Company and The Colonisation Of New Zealand from New Zealand in History website, Waitangi National Trust, Friends of West Norwood Cemetery
About the writer: This story is taken, in part, from an exercise recently completed by Trish Gray (and unpublished.) The bibliography acknowledges the resources she used on this occasion. Trish has enjoyed various writing successes, including two books independently published - Tangiwai: Weeping Waters, a booklet with photographs and graphics, and Role Reversal, a full length book on travel with many coloured photos. She is presently working on another, a collection of short stories.
She is a member of Toastmasters New Zealand and of Business & Professional Women. She adds, “Learning Maori language is another feature of my week. My garden doesn’t get neglected nor does the gym, art class or my home!”
‘Waitangi’ was written for the Memoir & Local History Competition 2011, run annually by the New Zealand Society of Authors (Bay of Plenty Region) with support from Tauranga Writers.
----
This page archived at Perma CC in October of 2016: https://perma.cc/M6MW-PXDJ
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EventsTauranga Memories (2011-2021) - EventsKeywords2011 Memoir and Local History CompetitionTrish Gray
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Trish Gray, Waitangi by Trish Gray. Pae Korokī, accessed 01/04/2023, https://paekoroki.tauranga.govt.nz/nodes/view/20408
