The hospitality shown to all who attended the Anglican Church apology ceremony was truly remarkable. Although biscuits and sausage rolls would have met expectations, it was more akin to a wedding banquet, with beautifully set tables and a fabulous meal for 300-400 people, despite not knowing in advance how many would turn up.

The outstanding hospitality reflected the significance of the event. The apology – over land the early missionaries ceded to the government but should have offered back to local Maori – was an important event for the city.

Well done to everyone who made it happen - the Otamataha Trust, the Anglican Church, the Maori wardens and especially Te Kohinga, the little local group doing big things for justice and reconciliation.

As rain and high winds battered the giant marquees, two peoples came together: one to say sorry for past wrongs, the other to extend forgiveness, and for both to forge a way forward. It was a privilege to be there.

S Paterson, Omanu