Yesterday, Hec Busby began his visit to Waitangi quietly, down at the beach with the waka crews. A chance to say a personal thanks. Them, to him, for making what they do possible. And him to them, because nobody does it on their own: builds waka and carves a history into them and learns to paddle and sail and navigate across the ocean under the stars.
Yesterday was his investiture day. The day Matua Hec became Sir Hekenukumai Busby. The Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy, was there to do the honours. The kaumatua and kuia of Te Tai Tokerau were there. Titewhai Harawira was there.The Prime Minister was there, along with many members of her cabinet and other MPs from the three governing parties.