Traditional Kāi Tahu Waitangi Day commemorations are taking a different form this year.
Usually held on a three-year rotation between Ōnuku on Banks Peninsula, Awarua near Bluff, and Ōtākou near Dunedin, Kāi Tahu is instead gathering on the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi.
Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou was due to host this year’s commemorations at Ōtākou Marae.
In a statement, Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou upoko Edward Ellison said it would lead a Kāi Tahu ope [group] to Waitangi.
"Our intention is to go to Waitangi in the spirit of kotahitaka [unity].
"Strengthening our ties with iwi in the north is an important part of honouring this moment.
"Given the current political climate, we believe it is vital that iwi stand together to ensure our collective voice remains strong."
Ōtākou had always carried the flame of political leadership, protest, whawhai, and wero, and this commitment continued to guide its decisions, he said.
"We look forward to being part of the wider kaupapa at Waitangi and standing with iwi from across the motu in unity and shared purpose."
Although the rūnanga would not be hosting an event at Ōtākou Marae, they encouraged whānau to spend time together on Waitangi Day. "It’s also a chance to reflect on what brings us together and the strength that comes from standing as one." —Allied Media
