R a u k a w a S e t t l e m e n t Tr u s t A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 1 1 / 1 2
Tariana Turia. Minister Finlayson delivered the Crown’s apology to Raukawa for having caused Raukawa suffering as a result of the Crown’s breaches of the Treaty. "The Crown failed to protect Raukawa from becoming landless and the lack of land and resources undermined the ability of the iwi to participate in new economic opportunities in its rohe," Minister Finlayson said. "This contributed to the economic, social and cultural impoverishment of Raukawa. Today's settlement rights the wrongs of the past and allows Raukawa to build a stronger future." The signing ceremony was tinged with sadness as it was remembered that many of those who were instrumental in achieving the settlement did not live to enjoy the fulfilment of their efforts.
The korowai was draped over the shoulders of the kaumātua by Minister Finlayson to represent the whakaruruhau for each marae. The tree was presented to a mokopuna of the marae to represent the whakapapa and connection shared as Raukawa. When all of the marae had signed the Deed, Minister Finlayson and Vanessa Eparaima were invited to sign. Unfortunately, former Raukawa Trust Board Chairman and a key figure in achieving the settlement, George Rangitutia was hospitalised and unable to attend the signing ceremony. As a mark of respect for the considerable effort he had put into achieving the settlement, Minister Finlayson, Taupō MP Louise Upston and Vanessa Eparaima travelled from the ceremony to Waikato Hospital to have Mr Rangitutia sign the settlement on the day.
Karaitiana Tamatea receives a Raukawa seedling at the signing ceremony for Ngati Koroki Kahukura.
The final address was delivered by Vanessa Eparaima, who accepted the Crown’s apology on behalf of Raukawa. The iwi were then invited to sign the Deed of Settlement. As each marae was called forward, representatives were given a korowai and a Raukawa tree.
RST Chairperson Vanessa Eparaima introduces Minister Finlayson to Kuia Kahu Te Hiko.
Treaty Project Manager, Pat Cowley assists RST Chairperson, Vanessa Eparaima and Minister Chris Finlayson during the signing.
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