Ngati Manu celebrates Pomare Day at Te Karetu Marae

20 January 2015

Media release for immediate use

Ngati Manu celebrates Pomare Day at Te Karetu Marae

Te Karetu Marae, the home of Ngati Manu on the banks of a tributary to the Taumarere River, will soon be filled with people renewing friendships and sharing memories.

Descendants of Pomare ll of Ngati Manu are busy preparing for a Hui to commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi by their ancestor Pomare l who signed at Opua in the Bay of Islands on the 17th of February, 1840.

Hapu spokesperson Arapeta Hamilton says “This annual Ngati Manu hui attracts descendants from New Zealand and Australia. It’s an opportunity for Ngati Manu to remember loved ones who passed away as well as celebrate those who have achieved in the past 12 months. This year we will honour two young achievers, Dr Ihipera Painting for medicine and Monita Skipworth for manu korero along with four Maori Labour MPs of Ngati Manu descent, Nanaia Mahuta, Kelvin Davis, Peni Henare and Rino Tirikatene”.

“Ngati Manu will also take the opportunity to remember an important historic traditional alliance between the chiefs Te Tirarau of Parawhau, Kawiti of Ngatihine and Pomare. Established prior to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the 1830s, the alliance continues to be recognized by descendants” explains Mr Hamilton.

© Scoop Media