The significance of June 17

Today holds profound significance for Ngāti Rārua as it marks the day in 1840 when our tūpuna Te Tana Pukekohatu signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Kakapo Bay, Te Whanganui (Port Underwood). At Horahora Kākahu, the British proclaimed sovereignty over Te Waipounamu.

Despite this commitment to protecting rangatiratanga in Te Tauihu, a number of breaches occurred. Most notably, exactly three years later on 17 June 1843, the Wairau incident - a deadly clash over land at Tuamarina.

As we approach Matariki, this anniversary is a time for reflection on the resilience and enduring legacy of Ngāti Rārua, and remembering the whakatauki left for us:

Kia atawhaitia i te tangata i muri i a ahau, kia pai te noho.

View the Herald (Bunbury) copy of the treaty

NZHistory.net have a digitised copy of the treaty signed by Te Tana Pukekohatu, one of several sheets taken around the country for signing.