Some sang songs and offered words of wisdom about why we were gathering in celebration of Waitangi Day, and the ancestors that came before us. This is referred to as the whaikōrero [speech making] or the orator's bench.
After whaikōrero was complete we were fortunate to get to speak with respected elders and community members/iwi from Hoani Waititi Marae. We also got to touch and see the Te Matatini Mauri Stone. This stone was traveling to all the marae's before the 2023 Te Matatini competition. “The mauri acts as a device for a life force, that gives future hosts of Te Matatini the spiritual guidance to carry out the successful running of the event,” stated by Te Matatini Kapa Haka Society Incorporated chairman Herewini Parata.
We then walked to the wharekai [dining hall] where we got to eat lovely kai [food], coffee, and of course tea with those who attended the pōwhiri. Everyone was so welcoming to me and my son and was excited to share their culture with Indigenous brothers and sisters from Turtle Island (North America). After we filled out bellies with food and laughter we headed out to the event to hear welcoming speeches and entertainment from Māori, Pasifika artists, and groups. After checking out some of the many stands of crafts, things for the kiddos, and more yummy food we went backstage to await the Prime Minister's arrival. I loved seeing all the Proud to Be Māori stickers, signs, flags, and shirts, I even got some cool Waitangi Day swag that I wear proudly.
Once backstage I got to meet the newly elected Vice Prime Minister (VP). I didn't realize she was the VP until someone told me because she greeted me with her moko [grandchild] wrapped in a sling on her frontside, and the traditional NZ kiss to the cheek.
