A Walk Down Memory Lane

“The Committee of Management are disappointed but not surprised that the Crown decided to ignore the recommendations of the Waitangi Tribunal and proceed with the introduction of legislation to Parliament which extinguishes the Wai 85 claim,” said Kingi Smiler, Chair of Wairarapa Moana Incorporation.

The Waitangi Tribunal’s November 2021 report said the Ngàti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tàmaki Nui-à-Rua Settlement Trust does not hold the mandate to settle Wai 85 (Wairarapa Moana Incorporation claim) and Wai 429 (Ngai Tùmapùhia-a-rangi).

This report ‘depict a flawed and unfair settlement process for which the Crown is responsible.’ It recommended the Crown postpone the introduction of settlement legislation, allow scheduled litigation to take its course, and help the iwi resolve conflicts it has played a part in causing during the settlement process.

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation does not wish to hold up the rest of the Ngàti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tàmaki Nuià-Rua settlement.

“That would be unfair on them. Just as it is unfair on Wairarapa Moana Incorporation and Ngai Tùmapùhia-arangi to have our two claims wrongly included in the Deed of Settlement and Settlement legislation.”

Next Steps

We now await the decision of the Supreme Court, but in the meantime, we are expecting the Ngàti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tàmaki Nui-à-Rua Claim Settlement Bill to have its first reading in Parliament, and then be referred to a Select Committee. We are preparing for the Select Committee process and will be seeking shareholder and whànau support to oppose the inclusion of Wai 85 in settlement legislation.

This whànau was identified as the Paku whànau shearing gang of Okautete (Homewood), on the Wairarapa coast south of Riversdale.

From left:

Marara (Maggie), her sons Hikairo (George), Herman, and Matiaha (Matt); Maggie’s husband Kahutiaterangi (Kahu); son Hoani (Johnny) and daughter, Te Ahi Kohai (Kay).

The photo was taken in 1937.