Moka's call for sovereignty heard in the Turkish capital, Ankara

The author has recently visited the Turkish capital of Ankara, and delivered the presentation 'Moka Te Kaingamata: Te Tiriti o Waitangi - To sign or not to sign?' which focused on the role and actions of Ngapuhi chief Moka Te Kaingamata, in regard to the Treaty of Waitangi. The author, his wife, and mother were warmly welcomed to the New Zealand Embassy by Her Excellency Zoe Coulter-Sinclair, and her staff. In attendance, were several dignitaries and ambassadors from throughout Europe and the Middle East, as well as the Australian Ambassador His Excellency Miles Armitage.

The author had planned to gift a kakahu (traditional handwoven cloak) named Karipori (Gallipoli) representing the New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives in Turkey from the time of their landing at ANZAC Cove, up until their withdrawal from Turkey. Unfortunately, there was an accident with water, and the author decided not to gift it at that time, as it would not have been the quality or standard that the author was happy to present - it is still the intention of the author to weave and gift the kakahu to the New Zealand Embassy in Ankara.