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Treaty of Waitangi Claim - Signing Symbolism
The signing of the Terms on 17 March was a symbolic day in many ways.
The 17 March was a symbolic day for Te Atiawa as it was 150 years to the day that the first shots were fired at Te Kohia Paa, Waitara. In keeping with the date, and the occasion, there was much symbolism. The Terms was signed on the table from Muru Raupatu Paa and which was used during the Waitangi Tribunal Hearings in the 1990s.
The table was adorned with :
- Te Atiawa and New Zealand flags folded in half and facing each other - symbolising the two parties and the unfolding relationship
- A replica cannon and a tiaha - symbolising the two parties to the Land Wars with the cannon also symbolising the weapon which subdued Te Atiawa
- Kaupapa Tuatahi, the Waitangi Tribunal Taranaki Report , published in 1996 and which described the never ending Taranaki War and held that Taranaki Iwi should never had had their land confiscated, symbolised the end of the Tribunal process and the beginning of the negotiations process
- The Raukura - on Kaupapa Tuatahi - symbolising the struggle of Te Whiti and Tohu and their symbol of peace
- Kohatu gathered from all Te Atiawa rivers - symbolisng the never ending passage of time and people.
The Kohatu were painted by Kuia Ngawhakaheke Tuti Wetere and were given to Minister Findlayson by Tawera Ruakere to be returned to Te Atiawa and its rivers when the Deed of Settlement has been concluded.
The table was carefully arranged by TAIA member, Grant Knuckey, to symbolise an important occasion and way forward which acknowleges the past and looks to the future.
