An invite to our past
Meet the whānau who do the mahi at Waitangi and hear their stories as they share their special connection to the birthplace of our nation.
Pita Tipene, Chairman of the Waitangi National Trust - Te Whare Rūnanga wasbuilt by many willing hands, including those of Pita’s whānau and still standstall today, symbolising an ongoing conversation of nationhood.
Daniel Busby, Guiding Team Leader - Daniel’s tupuna was given his name by James Busby, his godfather. Baptised as Pūhipi, the Māori translation for Busby, the names have remained in the family for generations.
Crystal Luatua, Treaty House Assistant - A Union Jack isn’t the first thing you’d think of as a treasured Māori taonga, but it was gifted to Crystal’s tupuna, Pumuka, for his work rallying behind Te Tiriti and the Declaration of Independence.
Jane Fletcher, Board Member - James Busby’s table stood in Jane’s childhood home for years, covered in books and coats. Now it stands in the Treaty House, uncovering some of our Nation’s most important history.
Owen Taituha, Curator - Owen’s tupuna, Marupō, stood on both sides of our nation’s history, signing Te Tiriti O Waitangi before he fought alongside Hōne Heke in the Northern Wars five years later.
Mukai Hura, Guides Supervisor – When Mukai was growing up, according to Māori customary lore, women were not permitted on war canoes. There was an up roar amongst our wāhine Māori of Ngapuhi when Princess Diana was granted special permission to board the waka Ngātokimatawhaorua. So our Māori women fought strongly for a voyage of their own, becoming part of history.
Pita
Dan
Crystal
Owen
Mukai