The spin continues un-abated yet the pageant is next year. Two weeks planned from 16-29 April for feasting, blessings, fêting and other capers. This incidentally cuts across Anzac Day April 25 - our foremost day of remembrance allocated, only one day usually observed in the morning.
If Pukehinahina Charitable Trust instigators want a ‘festival' then use the trusts own resources. It would be wrong for community funders, regional, TCC, and Western Bay councils to fund this type of crass indulgency with commemorative funding, totalling about $170,000 to be spent on carvings hakas, bands, breakfasts, teas, dinner, blessings and military stuff. With any charitable trust, the public have no control on spending, and financial accounts rarely see the light of day. It is readily accepted that it is right and proper that a small ceremony be held annually at Gate Pa to commemorate the event perhaps a full one-day celebration every 25years may be justified. The proposal as it stands is grandiose, pretentious and way over the top. It is understood around $240,000 has been applied from TCC for what effectively is the celebration part.
On the question of any historical account relating to the events, can I perhaps suggest reputable historians like James Cowan (1870-1943) be given due recognition. Remember research for history is best sought from eye witness evidence.
Ratepayers, residents and taxpayers should not be asked to fund this extravagance.

R Paterson, Matapihi.