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(THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN WELLINGTON)
One of the big public debates in the last couple of years has been about where we are going with our bi-cultural partnership. Born in the first year of WW2, much of my self-understanding was nurtured by schoolboy history lessons about the Battle of Waterloo… View more(THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN WELLINGTON)
One of the big public debates in the last couple of years has been about where we are going with our bi-cultural partnership. Born in the first year of WW2, much of my self-understanding was nurtured by schoolboy history lessons about the Battle of Waterloo rather than the much more notable Battle of Gate Pa.
I guess that was because back then, we weren’t willing to face our own history, which we know today was an inglorious tale of subjugation and exploitation of the Tangata Whenua. We are still working out ways to make good the bicultural relationship under our foundation document, te Tiriti o Waitangi, and though it has taken me personally a while to get there, because my earlier perspective was rooted in last century’s monocultural attitudes , I believe that today the historical momentum is forward, not back to that shameful past
Our knowledge of our own history among older adults today is still rather sketchy If you were asked a simple question about NZ history, such as “Where did the first organized group of European settlers to come to Aotearoa, NZ, make landing, you might reply Auckland, or Christchurch, Nelson or New Plymouth, the Bay of Islands or Dunedin.
Actually it was Petone (Pito-One) Beach. The date was January 22nd 1840, and it is the reason we celebrate Wellington Anniversary Day 2026 on Monday 19th of January, exactly 186 years ago.
We celebrated 150 years on the same date in January 1990 with a crowd of 50,000 at the same place. (PIC) These days though, we tend to shrink from much hoop-dee-doo . Through the insights of eminent historians like Dame Anne Salmon and Professor Paul Moon, through the Treaty Settlement process and through the revival of te Reo, most of my fellow Pakeha seem ready to own our past shortcomings and work with our Treaty partners to right the wrongs.
The opening notes of bicultural interaction back in January 1840 were in complete harmony. When the first settlers hit the beach in Petone, te Atiawa people came from their pa at Horokiwii and offered the newcomers the hand of friendship food, shelter and hospitality. A leader among them was Chief te Wharepouri, who signed te Tiriti, and who saw opportunities for trade and protection from his enemies. On his deathbed, Wharepouri offered an Ohaki, a prayer for unity between Maori and Pakeha which has been a touchstone for te Atiawa people to this day. They included the whanau of Chief Manihera Matangi, whose father signed te Tiriti. Manihera was a staunch Christian and true friend of the early settlers who, with a number of his descendants, is buried in the churchyard. His family still lives in the Hutt Valley.
That unity was reflected in the early records of the Christ Church built in Taita by the first settlers. It’s a place where Maori and Pakeha regularly worshipped together. It’s the oldest Church in the region, and its best kept secret.
The massive expansion of state housing in the Hutt Valley in Taita and Naenae after WW2 led to the center of population shifting and the little church becoming isolated from its community. Its continuing presence among us has gradually been obscured – until now. A Visitor Centre is being built next to the Church at 73 Eastern Hutt Road, and there, the rich and extensive history it represents is being displayed.
COME AND SEE…THE PAST COMING TO LIFE
What’s more fascinating than to see history come alive before your very eyes.
Visit the OLDEST BUILDING STILL IN USE IN THE WELLINGTON REGION.erected by the first organized group of settlers to come to NZ, who fetched up on Petone Beach on January 22nd 1840, where they .were welcomed and fed and sheltered by the local te Atiawa people
12 years later they built this edifice and IT IS STILL AVAILABLE TO VIEW!
Descendents of the Tangata Whenua and of the Settlers themselves, will pass on some of the extraordinary stories of that time
HERITAGE NZ has commended this initiative, the HUTT CITY COUNCIL describes it as playing an important role in Lower Hutt’s identity and culture LOTTERIES HERITAGE FUND has donated $100,000
Its about US…COME AND SEE !!! SPOT THE GHOST …RING 0274440081 OR EMAIL jterris55@gmail.com FOR A TOUR
Let the games begin! Family young and old will be entertained with lawn games that can brighten up your day. Find out how to create and paint your own outdoor games with these easy step by step instructions.
If you get a text asking you to pay a traffic fine, please do not click on the link!
We’re aware of a text scam that includes a link to pay a fine, claiming to be from Police.
Police do not issue speeding fines via text, this text is not from us ❌
Report to Department of Internal … View moreIf you get a text asking you to pay a traffic fine, please do not click on the link!
We’re aware of a text scam that includes a link to pay a fine, claiming to be from Police.
Police do not issue speeding fines via text, this text is not from us ❌
Report to Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) for free by forwarding to 7726.
In our serviced apartments, you’ll enjoy assisted living that lets you focus on friends, hobbies, and the moments that matter most.
To make settling in even easier you’ll pay no base weekly fee for your first three months when you sign up to a serviced apartment at a participating Ryman … View moreIn our serviced apartments, you’ll enjoy assisted living that lets you focus on friends, hobbies, and the moments that matter most.
To make settling in even easier you’ll pay no base weekly fee for your first three months when you sign up to a serviced apartment at a participating Ryman village by 31 January 2026.*
*Terms and conditions apply
Hello, do you need a garden clean ?
We can aasist you- Big or
Small jobs we can do- lets turn your jungles into gardens
Ian 0272430951
Natures choice
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for a queen or king mattress and base in good condition. If anyone has one available or knows of someone who might be selling or giving one away, please let me know.
Happy to arrange pickup.
Thanks in advance!
Kia ora,
One of our birds died a couple of days ago and our remaining budgie is lonely and needs a friend. If anyone has a male budgie available please let me know!
Hi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, … View moreHi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, and cedar weatherboards. We’re tidy, punctual, and perfect for busy families, non-DIYers, and retirees.
Discounts available for SuperGold Card holders
Serving all of Wellington, Hutt Valley & up to Plimmerton.
Message us today for a free quote, we’d love to help bring your home to life!
Fire up your kids' imaginations and get creative with Resene paints to make your own fairy doors. Find out how to create and paint your own with these easy step by step instructions.
For a limited time only save the GST value on Resene premium paints, wood stains, wallpaper and decorating accessories at Resene ColorShops.
The Post reports that nearly two-thirds of business leaders are feeling optimistic about 2026 ... with much of that confidence driven by the rollout of AI.
We want to know: How are you feeling about the growing role of AI in business and everyday life?
Don’t miss your chance to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024!
All you have to do is grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Great Summer Quiz! Answer the daily New Zealand based questions, the more answers you … View moreDon’t miss your chance to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024!
All you have to do is grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Great Summer Quiz! Answer the daily New Zealand based questions, the more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here.
The team at Stuff
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Hi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, … View moreHi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, and cedar weatherboards. We’re tidy, punctual, and perfect for busy families, non-DIYers, and retirees.
Discounts available for SuperGold Card holders
Serving all of Wellington, Hutt Valley & up to Plimmerton.
Message us today for a free quote, we’d love to help bring your home to life!
Greetings ! Happy new year, did you enjoy the new year and neglect the Gardens? Well we
Can help! Message me today for a free quote - 0272430951
Natures choice Gardening
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