In this issue, we share our new Waitangi Day programme, He
Tirotiro Whakamuri – A Glimpse of Waitangi and revisit the day David Bowie came to Porirua. Plus, an opportunity to join
our Board of Trustees.
Nau mai te tau, haere te tau.
Ahakoa ngā tau maha ka tau, ka rere, ko te rā
o Waitangi kua titia ki ngā ngākau o te tokomaha, kua tāmokotia ki te mata o te
whenua.
Waitangi Day is a time to acknowledge, to remember, and
to reflect on where we are as a nation. There are differing views on Te Tiriti
o Waitangi. What is certain is that on 6 February 1840, two peoples came
together to agree on terms intended to enable coexistence in this land.
This year’s Waitangi Day programme, He Tirotiro
Whakamuri – A Treasured Glimpse of Waitangi, looks back at moments from
earlier periods in the observance of Waitangi Day. It opens with footage from
1934, when representatives of the Crown travelled to Waitangi and rangatira
from across the motu gathered at Te Tii Point. The second part features the
powerful and enduring words of Pīhopa Whakahuihui Vercoe, delivered at the same
place in 1990.
Together,
these moments invite reflection on continuity and change, and on the ongoing
responsibilities that accompany Waitangi Day.
He hokinga mahara, he koanga ngākau! Ko Ngāti Toa tērā i pōwhiri atu ki ngā waewae tapu, ki a David Bowie i te tau 1983, e rongo ai rātou i tēnei o ngā reo rōreka i te ātea o Takapūwāhia.
In November 1983, shortly before his first Wellington concert, David Bowie experienced a moment that would become legendary in Aotearoa music history. He was welcomed onto Takapūwāhia Marae in Porirua by Ngāti Toa Rangatira — the first international rock star to be officially received on a marae.
Twenty-five years later, members of Ngāti Toa Rangatira looked back on that day, remembering how all of Porirua turned out, filling the marae and its surrounds to witness something truly special. The programme also features “Waiata”, a song Bowie wrote for the occasion, unheard for decades, revealing just how deeply the Ngāti Toa welcome resonated with him.
This was more than a visit. It was an exchange of culture, mana and respect — remembered with pride, aroha and lasting significance.
Listen now and revisit a remarkable meeting of worlds.
Ngā Taonga are searching for an Independent Trustee with
proven governance experience. In this important role, you will:
- provide
leadership and governance to protect and enhance the assets and interests
of Ngā Taonga;
- contribute
to the Board so it can achieve its objectives to ensure our sustainability
and ability to operate and fulfil its goals and aspirations;
- be a
voice for Māori cultural values and perspectives, and advocate for
mātauranga Māori in all aspects of the organisation; and
- if
elected Co-Chair, influence the relationship with the Minister for Arts,
Culture & Heritage, provide the primary relationship with the Chief
Executive and chair meetings.
Follow the link below for a position description and
application instructions.
IMAGE DETAILS
1. He Tirotiro Whakamuri – A Treasured Glimpse of Waitangi hero image.
2. Image of David Bowie at Takapūwāhia Marae. Image courtesy of Ngāti Toa.
3. Collage of Ngā Taonga board members.
