Last week I was fortunate enough to go with our rūnaka haerenga to Waitangi for Waitangi Day 2026. The trip was based on kotahitaka, following the call for unity made by the late Kingi Tūheitia when Te Tiriti was being challenged. It was especially significant because it was the first time Ngāi Tahu had returned to Waitangi in many years. We stayed together as a rōpū at Ngāraratunua Marae, which made the experience feel more connected. The warm weather and beaches were a bonus, and there was plenty happening, from shopping at the stalls, to seeing all the politicians around the grounds. Being apart of the pōwhiri onto Te Tiriti o Waitangi Marae and learning a waiata composed for the occasion stood out, as did supporting the handover of the mauri at the iwi chairs forum with haka, and reconnecting with Ngāpuhi as the kaitiaki of Te Tiriti.

Getting up at 1am to make the dawn ceremony on Waitangi Day was tough, but worth it. Being able to watch the waka display was an amazing experience  but spending time with whānau was just as important as the formal kaupapa. I also won a Te Wānanga o Raukura prize pack! I came back more focused on continuing to build my te reo Māori, matauraka and kapa haka skills, and more confident in embracing who we are as Māori, guided by ka mua, ka muri, the importance of the past informing the future.