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Titewhai Harawira - Source: ONE News -
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Long time activist Titewhai Harawira's passion to stick to her guns hasn't lessened over the years, a legacy she has instilled in her mokopuna asnd she has no plans to change.
The first lady of protest has been making the trek to Waitangi for more than 30 years.
"Well I certainly wouldn't want to celebrate my tupuna anywhere else," says Harawira.
Harawira says she was born and bred into the history of the Treaty of Waitangi by her grandparents and now her mokopuna (grandchildren).
Her 49th moko was with her this Waitangi Day, along with a sense of humour rarely seen.
"This is him, hot boy, full of life on his first journey to Waitangi. I take all my children and mokos, to Waitangi so they can learn about the struggle," she says.
"The world stopped when he was born and it hasn't started up again."
But when it comes to Te Tii Marae, she keeps a keen eye on politicians. This year her focus was Prime Minister John Key, and she was there on Thursday with a helping hand when he was assaulted by two protesters.
But her role has traditionally been very different. She saw previous leaders as foe.
Harawira famously challenged Helen Clark's right to speak on the lower marae at Waitangi in 1998. Clark was reduced to tears.
"Pretending tear," says Harawira.
"I think she was badly advised by our Maori men up here that she could speak before the protocol was completed.
"[However] my relationship with Helen Clark, other than that particular incident, was a very good relationship."
And Jenny Shipley was emotional at Waitangi Day commemorations the following year.
But Don Brash didn't make it through the gate of the marae after he was pelted with mud by protesters.
"He had the audacity to come up and tell us on out tupuna marae 'I will only do this on my terms'. Well we are not there to listen to politicians," says Harawira.
She says she expects all politicans to toe the line, even her Maori Party MP son, Hone Harawira.
"I know my son won't comprimise his tikanga and the mana of his tupuna for political gain. I know he won't do that," she says.
And Hone Harawira seems to know his place when it comes to his mother.
"Mum is always right and when she is wrong she is right," he says.
Right or wrong Titewhai Harawira says she'll be back every year.
And it appears her relationship Key is off to a good start.
"I've been personally involved in protests about the Treaty, demanding that it be honoured," she says.
"Through all of this, we now this year have got a government that is saying 'Let's sit at the same table and let's have this conversation'. I think that's so wonderful.
"He's the first Prime Minister that said to the Maori nation let's have this conversation of working together and making policies together."
She says she is embarrassed by the actions of the protesters who attempted to attack Key on Thursday.
"I was embarrassed because the mana of Ngapuhi had been trampled and we had worked so hard with our kaumatua, with our Maori liaison officers, police officers and Maori wardens to make sure that the thousands of people who come here are safe.
"For somebody to break that protocol without rhyme or reason was very, very hurtful.
"[The protesters] had no message for anybody. All they did was make themselves look like fools.
"But I'm pleased that John Key has stood his ground and said 'I'm coming back next year'. That shows a commitment."
Harawira is also positive about the year ahead.
"It is going to be a busy year to move us forward as a Maori nation and, more importantly, to move us forward as two nations together, because the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by two nations."
How are you celebrating Waitangi Day this year? What does Waitangi Day mean to you? Share your thoughts on the messageboard below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentahastings said on 2010-02-08 @ 09:53 NZDT: Report abusive post
What a discusting act by that republican man, and that is why he is a republican because he has no morals or standards by burning the flag and dressing up like an idiot. this man should be arrested and held accountable for burning a flag that means alot to me and all New Zealanders especially those who have fought under our flag
pridepassionpower said on 2010-02-08 @ 00:42 NZDT: Report abusive post
I care about the NZ flag being burnt, it really hurts me to see that, how about I burn yours in your face? I just wonder that if I carry on like an idiot and burn flags and become lazy that maybe I might get attention from the govt as well? Just a thought. BRING ON NZ DAY! ONE NATION!
ilightenall said on 2010-02-07 @ 06:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
I'm still buzzing from the Waitangi day celebration held here in Perth. Thousands attended for a day of unity and sharing in our unique Kiwi culture. Kiwi Hot Dogs, whitebait fritters, hangi, L&p with homegrown music and craft stalls, Maori and Pakeha simply celebrating being Kiwi.
santa0007 said on 2010-02-07 @ 04:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
The Littlewood Treaty original version gives me my right to claim "my" land back & restore what has been taken from me without my prior say-so. Who do I gotta fight first & can i bring my Mum.
santa0007 said on 2010-02-07 @ 03:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
Foreshore & seabed issue, ultimately the country is governed by a govt,part of that is protection from invasion by anything, given the ownership goes to a non-govt entity,where are the rights if any of our constitution. As it stands now,if you have a problem with your employer & your Moari & want to take them to court,it can be done through treaty claims,according to legal services agency.Does this really mean seperatism or the justifiable return of life by an inheritad old fashioned system.