Blessings, apology mark Waitangi Day at Takapuna

Waitangi Day was commemorated at Takapuna Boating Club on 6 February with the goal of bringing the community together – and offering a chance to reflect on the impact of recent floods.

For the second year, the boating club hosted celebrations with the help of Ngāti Whātua.

The boating club and its members have been designated kaitiaki of the Takapuna shoreline and saw Waitangi Day as an opportunity to make an apology to the ocean for the sewage and debris that flowed into it following the floods.

In the opening greeting, local kaumatua William Kapea invited attendees to impart their blessings and apologies to a kōhatu (stone) that was to be later taken out to sea.

Kapea said it was important that something tangible and “not just words” was used to apologise to Tangaroa.

Local politicians such as Devonport-Takapuna Local Board chair Toni van Tonder, deputy chair Terence Harpur and North Shore MP Simon Watts were in attendance and helped paddle the waka out to deliver the kōhatu.

National Party leader Christopher Luxon attended, as he did last year.

Club captain Barry Ward said although it was disappointing water activities weren’t possible due to a Swim Safe warning the day was still a success. “Today is a happy day not a political one. It’s about celebrating Māori and non-Māori as one and that’s what we’re doing here today.”

Club commodore James Jordan said he hoped Waitangi Day at the club “grows as a community celebration” and that he hoped to see bigger numbers in the coming years.

Van Tonder said the local board would continue to support the day.

“More people can commemorate Waitangi Day and experience commemoration in this way.”

After the waka returned, everyone gathered inside for food from a hangi.