Wednesday, February 08, 2012
   
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Waitangi Day 2008: A Celebration

Waitangi Day is the day on which New Zealand commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between the Crown and Iwi (Maori tribes).

In Wellington this year, the day was marked by a community event held in Central Wellington, in Waitangi Park. Speeches were given by the Mayor and by Dr Ngatata Love, a leading member of Te Ati Awa, one of the Wellington Region's significant iwi. Dr Love is also a director of New Zealand Post Ltd and a member of the Board of Te Papa Tongarewa the Museum of New Zealand.

Dr Love praised the Government for the milestone reached on 13 December 2007 with the settlement of all the Taranaki Whanui (Wellington) Treaty of Waitangi claims. More information about the settlement can be found at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/agreement+principle+taranaki+whanui+0

The community event was in part a celebration of this settlement, and the announcement of a foreshore and seabed agreement the previous day with the large East Coast iwi Ngati Porou. Charles is pictured in front of the crowd gathered at Waitangi Park as he speaks to a constituent just after the conclusion of the official speeches.
Labour Spokesperson for Justice
Labour Spokesperson for the Environment

Labour List MP Based in Ohariu
Authorised by Charles Chauvel, 103 Johnsonville Road, Johnsonville