February 07, 2018
Unique raranga for Mangungu commemoration
With commemorations at Waitangi over for the year, the focus in the north now shifts to Hokianga.
On 12 Febrary 1840 as many as 3000 Maori gathered at the Mangungu Mission near Horeke, with 70 rangatira signing Te Tiriti o Waitangi on that day.
At this year's commemoration, the people of Mangungu will receive a copy of Kakahu Raranga – a woven garment from the Hokianga said to have been given to missionary William White who served at Mangungu.
The replica was woven by Margaret Jackson, based on photographs of the original held in the British Museum and discussions with other weavers around the country about the original garment’s design and method of fabrication.
Heritage New Zealand’s director tautiaki wahi taonga, Mita Harris, says Kakahu Raranga appears to combine Maori and European influences, and its unique design reflects a time of great change for Maori society.
Mangunu will also receive a baptismal font which is associated with the Mission.
The Misson House, which is administered by Heritage NZ, holds the original table on which Te Tiriti was signed.
Mr Harris says the day will begin with a flotilla of waka arriving at the mission.
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