Join a group of others from Canterbury heading for Waitangi next February. Experience the commemorations of the signing of the Treaty in a new way, learning the history, exploring the surrounding land marks, serving and being served.
Karuwhā Trust extends an invitation to explore the story we are all part of. This four day event is held from 3rd to 6th February. See their website for details of the programme. http://www.karuwha.org.nz/
Karuwhā Trust aims to help people experience the commemorations, and to form their own connection to this place. The people involved in Karuwha Trust have been making this journey for many years now.
The four-day event is held over the Waitangi Commemorations, Monday 3rd to Thursday 6th February, and is an invitation to experience Waitangi first-hand: to serve alongside tangata whenua, to visit significant sites, to spend time listening to stories of our past from Kaumatua and historians, and to seek a better understanding of our country.
Brett and Helen Mann share their experience:
In February last year we had the pleasure of joining the Karuwhā Trust hīkoi to the Waitangi commemorations. This opened up and deepened the experience of Waitangi in a very special way. Helping out with various tasks on Te Tii marae – parking, rubbish, kitchen and cleaning duties —and working with tāngata whenua was a privilege and made us very much part of the commemoration, rather than outsiders or tourists.
As well as hands-on work, we appreciated the opportunity to visit Oiwi Bay and learn some of the local history from Te Hurihanga, a local kaumātua. Others gave a variety of stimulating talks including Elizabeth Ladbrook, a direct descendant of the great missionary Henry Williams. Participating with a group of one hundred or so other generous and open-hearted people enriched us in many ways, increased understanding and insight, and gave us a deep personal sense of connection with the birth place of our nation.
Along with times for discussion, reflection and bicultural worship we experienced the connection in Christ that transcends cultural boundaries. This created a moving and unforgettable experience that left an indelible impression of what it is to be a Christian in Aotearoa New Zealand. Highly recommended! A number of local leaders have been part of past hīkoi and can advise on practicalities.
Pastor Donald Scott, Northcity Church 375 0850 can be contacted for recommendations.
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