Reflections from the Waitangi Hīkoi 2025
Over Waitangi Week 2025, I had the great privilege of being one of 12 people from Nelson who joined a larger group of around 120 under the banner of Karuwhā Trust. We gathered at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, a place rich in history and significance. Waitangi features a beautiful marae, Te Tii Marae, which is separated from the Treaty Grounds by a bridge—a spot where both tangata whenua and tangata tiriti could be seen jumping into the water below.
Throughout the week, we embraced early mornings, including two dawn services, and served the marae by cleaning toilets, working in the kitchen, and serving food in a massive marquee. Many moments were memorable, but a few highlights particularly stood out.
One of these was visiting Rangihoua, also known as Hohi Bay or Oihi Bay, where the Marsden Cross stands. This was the site where Samuel Marsden preached the first Christian sermon in Aotearoa on Christmas Day, 1814. We were honoured to hear stories of the land from Te Hurihanga, a respected kaumatua. Standing in such a historically significant place in our Christian heritage was deeply moving.
Another highlight was serving with Karuwhā Trust, named after Henry Williams, the CMS missionary who translated the Treaty. His nickname, Karuwhā, or "Four-eyes," came from his glasses. Williams played a crucial role at Waitangi, not only in the translation of the Treaty but also, as one kaumatua told us, in returning vast amounts of land to tangata whenua. He carried immense mana and was deeply respected by Māori. In fact, he is the only known Pākehā in Aotearoa to have a carving on the pou of a whare tupuna (meeting house)—a significant recognition for us as tangata tiriti. He serves as a model of how we should engage with the Treaty, working in a way that honours both our cultures and upholds the mana of tangata whenua.
A particularly powerful moment for me was during the Waitangi Day dawn ceremony. A worship band led the crowd in worship, and as we sang Tuhia, I noticed politicians joining in. Some of them were people I never would have expected to engage with Christianity. Looking around at thousands of people singing together in worship, I felt an overwhelming sense of hope. Not everyone knew what they were singing or why, but in that moment, we were united in praise.
I also had the chance to interview some of our team members: Nina Harris (Whakatū Presbyterian), Nadia Mitchell (St Barnabas Stoke), and Michael Johnston (Wakefield Parish). Here are their reflections:
What emotions did you experience at Waitangi?
Nina: A mixture of emotions, but mostly deep gratitude that people were willing to share their history with us. Some of it was painful to hear, but witnessing how God was at work both before and after European arrival was powerful. I felt an overwhelming sense of God’s love and the love of the people in that place.
What was the most memorable moment of the trip for you?
Nadia: The whole experience was memorable, but the people were what stood out most. Every day, I had beautiful encounters—with the Nelson Diocese group, with Karuwhā, and with the many people I met along the way.
How did attending Waitangi deepen your understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi?
Michael: I’ve been to Waitangi a few times, but this trip reinforced just how foundational the Treaty is to New Zealand. It’s not ancient history—1840 is relatively recent—and it’s clear that the Treaty hasn’t been honoured as it should have been. It’s not something we can ignore if we want to move forward as a nation.
How did travelling with the Nelson Diocese and the wider Karuwhā group enhance your experience?
Nina: Going with the Nelson Diocese team was great because our preparation built strong relationships, making it easier to process and discuss the challenging history we were learning. Our evening reflections were really valuable. Being part of Karuwhā also helped; they provided structured learning, opportunities to serve, and insights from knowledgeable people. I highly recommend it!
Did you have any significant conversations with people from other groups or locals?
Nadia: I had so many significant conversations! I was struck by how proud and welcoming Māori were. As a Pākehā, I felt invited into the space, and people were grateful for Karuwhā’s help. I also encountered different viewpoints and felt safe to ask questions and learn from others.
What stood out about interactions between Māori and Pākehā?
Michael: Being in Waitangi during Waitangi Week was an incredibly immersive experience. Pākehā were the minority, making it feel like truly Māori land. The overall atmosphere was peaceful and friendly. Most people greeted each other with a warm “Kia ora” or “morena.”
How do you think our churches can grow from this experience?
Nina: I’ve been thinking about this a lot. My church hasn’t done much work on the Treaty, so I’ll be sharing my reflections to help start the conversation. It’s important to move beyond politics and see it as a relationship issue. My hope is that churches will not only talk about the Treaty but also serve and build genuine relationships with their local Māori communities.
What is one key lesson you will take back to Nelson?
Michael: I used to avoid engaging deeply with the Treaty because it felt too complex. But this trip reminded me that the answer will only be found in faithfulness to Christ. Aotearoa has a rich history of God working through both Māori and Pākehā, and I believe God still has a plan to unify people of all backgrounds.
What would you say to someone considering attending Waitangi in the future?
Nadia: Do it!! I had no idea what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the greatest experiences of my life. I can’t wait to go back!
If you want to read more about Karuwhā and the Waitangi Hikoi, see their website: https://www.karuwha.org.nz/
Ngā mihi nui,
Renata van der Wal
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Reflections from the Waitangi Hīkoi 2025
Over Waitangi Week 2025, I had the great privilege of being one of 12 people from Nelson who joined a larger group of around 120 under the banner of Karuwhā Trust. We gathered at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, a place rich in history and significance. Waitangi features a beautiful marae, Te Tii Marae, which is separated from the Treaty Grounds by a bridge—a spot where both tangata whenua and tangata tiriti could be seen jumping into the water below.
Throughout the week, we embraced early mornings, including two dawn services, and served the marae by cleaning toilets, working in the kitchen, and serving food in a massive marquee. Many moments were memorable, but a few highlights particularly stood out.
One of these was visiting Rangihoua, also known as Hohi Bay or Oihi Bay, where the Marsden Cross stands. This was the site where Samuel Marsden preached the first Christian sermon in Aotearoa on Christmas Day, 1814. We were honoured to hear stories of the land from Te Hurihanga, a respected kaumatua. Standing in such a historically significant place in our Christian heritage was deeply moving.
Another highlight was serving with Karuwhā Trust, named after Henry Williams, the CMS missionary who translated the Treaty. His nickname, Karuwhā, or "Four-eyes," came from his glasses. Williams played a crucial role at Waitangi, not only in the translation of the Treaty but also, as one kaumatua told us, in returning vast amounts of land to tangata whenua. He carried immense mana and was deeply respected by Māori. In fact, he is the only known Pākehā in Aotearoa to have a carving on the pou of a whare tupuna (meeting house)—a significant recognition for us as tangata tiriti. He serves as a model of how we should engage with the Treaty, working in a way that honours both our cultures and upholds the mana of tangata whenua.
A particularly powerful moment for me was during the Waitangi Day dawn ceremony. A worship band led the crowd in worship, and as we sang Tuhia, I noticed politicians joining in. Some of them were people I never would have expected to engage with Christianity. Looking around at thousands of people singing together in worship, I felt an overwhelming sense of hope. Not everyone knew what they were singing or why, but in that moment, we were united in praise.
I also had the chance to interview some of our team members: Nina Harris (Whakatū Presbyterian), Nadia Mitchell (St Barnabas Stoke), and Michael Johnston (Wakefield Parish). Here are their reflections:
What emotions did you experience at Waitangi?
Nina: A mixture of emotions, but mostly deep gratitude that people were willing to share their history with us. Some of it was painful to hear, but witnessing how God was at work both before and after European arrival was powerful. I felt an overwhelming sense of God’s love and the love of the people in that place.
What was the most memorable moment of the trip for you?
Nadia: The whole experience was memorable, but the people were what stood out most. Every day, I had beautiful encounters—with the Nelson Diocese group, with Karuwhā, and with the many people I met along the way.
How did attending Waitangi deepen your understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi?
Michael: I’ve been to Waitangi a few times, but this trip reinforced just how foundational the Treaty is to New Zealand. It’s not ancient history—1840 is relatively recent—and it’s clear that the Treaty hasn’t been honoured as it should have been. It’s not something we can ignore if we want to move forward as a nation.
How did travelling with the Nelson Diocese and the wider Karuwhā group enhance your experience?
Nina: Going with the Nelson Diocese team was great because our preparation built strong relationships, making it easier to process and discuss the challenging history we were learning. Our evening reflections were really valuable. Being part of Karuwhā also helped; they provided structured learning, opportunities to serve, and insights from knowledgeable people. I highly recommend it!
Did you have any significant conversations with people from other groups or locals?
Nadia: I had so many significant conversations! I was struck by how proud and welcoming Māori were. As a Pākehā, I felt invited into the space, and people were grateful for Karuwhā’s help. I also encountered different viewpoints and felt safe to ask questions and learn from others.
What stood out about interactions between Māori and Pākehā?
Michael: Being in Waitangi during Waitangi Week was an incredibly immersive experience. Pākehā were the minority, making it feel like truly Māori land. The overall atmosphere was peaceful and friendly. Most people greeted each other with a warm “Kia ora” or “morena.”
How do you think our churches can grow from this experience?
Nina: I’ve been thinking about this a lot. My church hasn’t done much work on the Treaty, so I’ll be sharing my reflections to help start the conversation. It’s important to move beyond politics and see it as a relationship issue. My hope is that churches will not only talk about the Treaty but also serve and build genuine relationships with their local Māori communities.
What is one key lesson you will take back to Nelson?
Michael: I used to avoid engaging deeply with the Treaty because it felt too complex. But this trip reminded me that the answer will only be found in faithfulness to Christ. Aotearoa has a rich history of God working through both Māori and Pākehā, and I believe God still has a plan to unify people of all backgrounds.
What would you say to someone considering attending Waitangi in the future?
Nadia: Do it!! I had no idea what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the greatest experiences of my life. I can’t wait to go back!
If you want to read more about Karuwhā and the Waitangi Hikoi, see their website: https://www.karuwha.org.nz/
Ngā mihi nui,
Renata van der Wal
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
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