Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

From time to time we have an experience which changes or emphasises the way we think about something.

The recent commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle Gate Pa is one such event for me. The powhiri and speeches, the massed haka welcoming the Governor General onto the historic battleground, the emotion shown and the stories told, highlighted for me how significant the battle is in our history – and how differently we all thought about it, depending on our heritage.

I have a better understanding now of the journey we've been on as a nation, and how far we have come to put past hurts behind us.

I know we can't change history but we can learn from it. Reconciliation is a word I heard often during Tuesday's commemorations of Gate Pa's battle.

We are on a journey as a nation, we are one people; and it is up to us to make our future together.

I have to confess I understood few of the speeches earlier in the day, because they were in Maori. But I when I heard the military band play the national anthem, it was the Maori words that ran through my mind. For me, this reflected our progress towards being one people – and not just Maori and Pakeha, but for all races which make up this great country of ours.

It was a great day, a well organised event and a wonderful spectacle – well done to all who were involved.

If you have any views on this or any other issue, please contact me on neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579 5150. Or you can check out my website at www.janenees.co.nz