Florence Kerr at Waitangi
7 February 2009
MEETING POINT: Gary Welch, carrying the Union Jack, and Te Kuru Pounamu, holding the 1935 flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, meet at Waitangi.
The Dominion Post
Waitangi Day 2009 featured a debate between two men which was so warm onlookers were left in disbelief.
Gary Welch, of Auckland, is a staunch Pakeha who walked around the Waitangi treaty ground yesterday wearing a black T-shirt with the phrase "colonisation is beautiful" and carrying a large Union Jack flag.
Mr Welch believes the European migration to New Zealand was "the best thing that could happen to Maori".
"Colonisation is a great thing, it definitely benefited the natives because we brought medicine and a good justice system," he said.
Yet Mr Welch is envious of Maoridom.
"Maori culture and tradition are alive and it has inspired me to find my ancestors, who come from England."
While he was discussing his dislike of "Government funding for things Maori", Te Kuru Pounamu, a Maori with a full face moko, came over to hongi Mr Welch.
Mr Pounamu, of Tainui descent, is a self-appointed "native Governor" and said: "I like this guy. He is expressing his views".
"His view may be somewhat ignorant, but education can fix that."
They sat and talked for half an hour.
Mr Pounamu explained to Mr Welch why Tainui was given millions of dollars by the Government. Mr Welch thought Europeans had bought the land involved in the Raupatu deal by way of muskets and blankets.
Tamati Peters, a regular at Waitangi, said he was amazed at the patience shown by Mr Pounamu.
"Had this been five years ago, I can safely say Gazza (Mr Welch) would have enjoyed a free stay in hospital."
A change in attitude has brought a more positive view in Waitangi.
Ata Grey has returned to Waitangi after a 10-year break.
"People have a right to freedom of speech but the violence that walked hand-in-hand with that used to be atrocious at Waitangi," she said.
"I was reading the paper and watching TV and besides the John Key incident everything looked awesome.
This Waitangi has seen iwi from around New Zealand create a unified board of influential leaders.
Tainui leader Tukoroirangi Morgan said the amalgamation had created a better cohesion within Maoridom.
Ngapuhi kaumatua Kingi Taurua said that although there were still issues between Ngapuhi and the Government he looked forward to more "beautiful" Waitangi celebrations.
Waikato Times
(c) Fairfax New Zealand