Unity treaty signed

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 323, 13 February 1990, Page 1

Unity treaty signed

People of the Ruapehu District started signing a treaty of unity on Waitangi Day last week at a special unity day picnic held under blue skies and in high temperatures.

The treaty was part of a picnic day at Ces and Ethel Allerby's farm, next to the Waimarino Golf Course. It was organised by the Waimarino 1990 Committee to mark the sesquicentennial of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The day's event began at about 2pm with a parade Jead by mayor Garrick Workman, dressed in period costume and on horseback,

followed by his wife riding in a Model A Ford, then local Maori lead by kaumatua Mathew Mareikura all dressed in traditional Maori costume, then local people dressed in period costume including most of the local pony club riders dressed as militia. Raetihi Fire Brigade's 1910 fire pump and 1932 fire engine also joined the parade. Turnpage 11

Waimarino Unity day picnic

From page 1 Mayor Workman and Mr Mareikura, who is the chairman of the local 1990 committee, addressed the crowd of about 200 people. Mayor Workman said Waimarino people should be proud of the 1990 Committee for organising the event as

part of the 1990 year of commemorations. He said he remembered picnics at the same site in his youth. He called for people to reflect on the original spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi and to understand the responsibilities of both parties. Mr Mareikura said we must come together un-

der the good intentions of 150 years ago. "It has been said we came in different canoes," said Mr Mareikura. "But now we are in the same boat. Unless we paddle together we will get nowhere." Then came a time-line re-enactment of events that have shaped the communities of the Waimarino, organised by Merrilyn George with help from many people. Dave Scott provided the commentary for the time-line and the Queen Mother made a brief appearance (alias Mrs Dowsett senior). Following the time line senior citizens were invited to sign the treaty, which reads "We, the undersigned, from the district of Ruapehu pledge to work towards greater unity, trust, understanding and goodwill amongst all the many peoples of our area." Children's games organised by Ruapehu College teacher Joan Manson and college pupils followed with prizes provided by Nations Skiers' Inn.. Conservation officer Rob McCallum then flew by dropping New World lollies (he also organised the digging of long drops!) A cricket match between service clubs followed. Committee secretary Moreen Hancock said the credit for much of the hard work for the day must go to the Lions Club. She said the Allerbys not only provided the venue but organised the preparation of the site. She said there were numerous people involved in making the day successful and that they all deserved to be thanked for their efforts.