Milestone Waitangi Tribunal hearing reaches 25th anniversary

Next Thursday (21 August) marks 25 years since the Waitangi Tribunal began hearing the Ngāti Rārua historical claim as part of all Te Tauihu Treaty of Waitangi claims in the northern South Island.

Ngāti Rārua were the first iwi to present to the Tribunal, starting a nearly four-year process. The first part of the hearing was held in the Wairau and then in February 2001 a second hearing was held in Motueka.

It took almost four years for the Waitangi Tribunal to finish hearing claims from Ngā Iwi o Te Tauihu, (March 2004), and a further three years to release a report upholding the claims (April 2007).

Six years later, in March 2013, Ngāti Rārua signed a Deed of Settlement with the Crown.

Then chair of the Ngāti Rārua Iwi Trust Molly Luke said the hearing was part of a long and complex process.

“Our office was established in 1995. We researched over 160 years of treaty breaches, partially funded by the Crown Foresty Rental Trust. It was such intense and important work.

“We acknowledge the tūpuna who helped us get to the place where we could lodge this claim. Their resilience and vision still guides us today.

“We have lost so many kaumatua since then, kaumatua that shared their experiences and their knowledge.  Their legacy is with us. Their efforts and tireless mahi to share our history and our losses helped uphold our mana.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua board chair Olivia Hall says the Waitangi Tribunal hearing was an important step in recognising the history of Ngāti Rārua and helps us understand how our history has shaped who we are today.

“We are so grateful to all of those who undertook the mahi for us during  the Waitangi Tribunal process. Through their hard work and perseverance, Ngāti Rārua has been able to continue to grow and thrive.

“Their efforts have enabled us to be forward focussed and strategically grow our asset base so we can generate social, cultural and environmental outcomes for our whānau . 

“Our guiding statement is whakamana te puna mauri ora o Ngāti Rārua, mo ngā hekenga a muri ake tonu - realise the wellspring of vital identity that is Ngāti Rārua, to strengthen all the migrations yet to come.”

Te Rūngana o Ngāti Rārua Pouwhakahaere Shane Graham said the future focus of Ngāti Rārua is grounded in the past.

“The Ohaki of Te Tana Pukekohatu told descendants: Kia atawhaitia i te tangata i muri i a ahau, kia pai te noho. Be kind to all peoples, live well.

“We continue to develop our economic, cultural, environmental and social pou,  and build partnerships as we prepare for the many challenges ahead. This is for the benefit of not only Ngāti Rārua of today, but Ngāti Rārua of tomorrow.”