Historical footage of Matiu Rata: I
n 1974 Prime Minister Norman Kirk announced that the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi would be a national holiday called New Zealand Day. The inaugural 1974 day at Waitangi featured a royal entourage, was watched by 20,000 people and screened live for TV. Matiu Rata was there to host the Queen and dignatries as they entered the grounds at Waitangi.
To view the 18 minute video clip on the NZ On Screen website, click here. Use the “clip selection” tool on the right hand side to select the clips you want to view (Matiu features in clip 1).
See if you recognise other well-known personalities from Te Hiku o Te Ika in this video footage as well!