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Wairarapa Moana Incorporation reaches final of the Ahuwhenua Trophy

IN THIS ISSUE:

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Wairarapa Moana Incorporation (WMI) is a proud finalist in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori dairy farm, announced at a special function at Parliament on 21 February 2024 by the Minister for Māori Development, Hon.Tama Potaka.

“It is an honour for WMI to be alongside other finalists and the high standards they set for Ahuwhenua. We congratulate the other finalist, the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board –based in Opotiki.”

It took 87 years since the gifting of Wairarapa Moana to the Crown, before our owners finally had control of our whenua at Mangakino.

“We are grateful to our owners and whānau for their collective vision to nurture our taonga for generations guided by the overarching philosophy of kaitiakitanga.”

“We acknowledge past winners of the Ahuwhenua Trophy for dairy, Tom and Te Ruinga Haeata in 1958 and the Incorporation’s Committee in 2005 for the sheep and beef competition.”

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ISSUE SEVENTY THREE: WHITU TEKAU MĀ TORU MARCH 2024 March 2024
Regional
Competition
Wairarapa Moana Incorporation Invited to Geneva to Tell Our Story
to Visit NZ
p4 United Nations Expert Indigenous Peoples Rights
Where Are You?
Modelling
Use Options
for Future Land
p6 Te Reo o Hākui
Returns to Marae
Waitangi Day Celebration
Find out more
Kaumatua
at Hurunui-o-rangi Marae
Christmas Luau
Education Grants and Scholarships 2024
Moana Merchandise
Wairarapa
Notification of a Deceased Shareholder
Walk Down Memory Lane
Farm Update
The
and Its People
Wairarapa Moana:
Lake
Can You Help?
50 Unclaimed Dividends
Shareholder Bank Account Details
Mailer Closing Dates
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Front Row (L-R): Kingi Smiler and Sonya Rimene. Back Row (L-R): Anaru Smiler; Mihaere Kirby; Brett Bennett; Kim Turner; Manaakitia Rimene-Sproat; and TeHoripo Karaitiana.

The Ahuwhenua Trophy is the most prestigious award for excellence in Māori farming and was inaugurated 91 years ago by the great Māori leader, Tā Apirana Ngata, and the Governor General at the time, Lord Bledisloe.

The objective was and still is to encourage Māori farmers to improve their land and their overall farming performance with an emphasis on sustainability. On a three-year rotational basis, the trophy is competed for by Māori farmers and growers in the sheep and beef, horticulture and dairy sectors. This year the competition is for dairy.

“This year’s finalists, along with the other entrants in this competition, show the strength and determination of Māori to successfully overcome adversity and get on with the daily task of producing their products in a truly sustainable way. Aotearoa should be proud of what they do and the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition ensures that their efforts are recognised and celebrated,” said Nukuhia Hadfield, Chair of the Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee.

WMI looks forward to hosting a public field day on Thursday 28 March 2024, 9.30am – 2pm

The Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board field day is on Thursday 4 April 2024, 9.30am – 2pm.

The winner will be announced at the awards dinner held on Friday 17 May 2024 at the Globox Arena, Claudelands Event Centre, in Hamilton.

Kahungunu Kapa Haka Regional Competition

It was a day to come together for a common purpose, a day to celebrate kapa haka, and a day to remember those that have walked and talked this kaupapa at previous competitions.

The overwhelming attendance, estimated to be over 5,000, descended on the host region Tamaki nui a Rua at the Dannevirke A&P Showgrounds, to support their favourite kapa and to become immersed in the kaupapa.

Thirteen teams entered the competition with approximately 500 dedicated kaihaka taking to the stage, thus allowing four Kahungunu teams to qualify for the world’s largest Kapa Haka Event, Te Matatini 2025.

We congratulate all the teams for their hard work, commitment, and dedication. Well done to all kapa that took to the stage!

The four teams going through to compete at Te Matatini 2025 in Taranaki were ranked:

This is a huge achievement, and we wish the four teams all the very best as they prepare for their journey to the 2025 Te Matatini stage.

To end the day, a very emotional handover of the Mauri between Kahungunu Tamaki nui a Rua and Kahungunu ki Tamatea completed the formalities. The next Kahungunu Kapa Haka Regional Competition will be hosted in 2026 by Kahungunu ki Tamatea in Central Hawke’s Bay.

WAIRARAPA MOANA mailer 2 ›› Continued from page 1
Photo courtesy: John Cowpland, Alphapix. Te Rangiura o Wairarapa 1. Te Rangiura o Wairarapa 2. Te Rerenga Kōtuku 3. Te Kapa Haka o Kahungunu 4. Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Ranginui Photo courtesy of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation

Invited to Geneva to Tell Our Story

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation has been proudly represented by Sonya Rimene, Committee of Management, and Iwi Chair for Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā Trust, at a United Nations meeting in Geneva 13-16 February 2024.

The Universal Periodic Pre-Sessions (UPR) was held for nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) to have an opportunity to speak to UN representatives based in Geneva ahead of New Zealand’s fourth Universal Periodic Review, which will take place late April 2024. The UPR Pre-Sessions is a forum where the peoples’ voices are heard, as a check and balance of what the reality is happening on the ground.

Here is Sonya’s account of her hikoi to Geneva:

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation was selected as one of only five organisations from Aotearoa to present, kanohi ki te kanohi, on the New Zealand Government’s human rights record. The other participants were New Zealand Human Rights Commission, Wakatū Incorporation, Peace Aotearoa, and Rural Women. Claire Mahon, who is a specialist in Human Rights from Rotorua and lives in Geneva, also assisted us in navigating the UN process and introduced us to several State Countries.

During the week I worked with the New Zealand Human Rights Commission and met with individual countries to tell our story: Togo, Mexico, Norway, USA, Office of the Human Rights Commission, Commonwealth, Argentina, European Union, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Canada, and Germany. I also took the opportunity to present to a meeting of European Union representatives. There were 40 NGOs across the world that presented via zoom and in person at that session.

As New Zealand is an international member of the United Nations community, I also expressed the need to ensure that New Zealand is accountable to adhering to and implementing international mechanisms such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the United National Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In a speech to the United Nations Geneva based representatives, I highlighted the actions of the New Zealand Government that stopped the return of our lands by the Waitangi Tribunal. This was a breach of our human rights, rights as indigenous peoples and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We were able to highlight our case as an example of the New Zealand Government using legislation to override an Indigenous peoples’ land rights.

Wairarapa Moana ki Pouākani Incorporation recommended that the New Zealand Government:

COMMIT to returning to WMI the lands which were the subject of our resumption application to the Waitangi Tribunal OR UNDERTAKE to meet its obligations under Article 28(2) of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to provide compensation that is ‘equal in quality, size, and legal status or of monetary compensation or other appropriate redress’.

URGENTLY amend the Bill of Rights Act to include economic, social and cultural rights and the right to selfdetermination as set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Support for our case against the Crown continues to grow, with Iwi Chairs this year at Waitangi endorsing our case against the New Zealand Government.

Sonya

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Above: Saunoamali’I Karanina, NZ Human Rights Commission; Eleanor Vermunt, NZ Human Rights Commission; Claire Mahon, NZ Rural Women; Ms Mona M’Bikay, Executive Director, UPR; Sonya Rimene, WMI; Wakatū representative. Rimene in front of the United Nations Office at Geneva which is housed at the historic Palais des Nations.

United Nations Expert Indigenous Peoples Rights to Visit New Zealand

The Committee of Management is pleased to announce that Mr Jose Francisco Cali-Tzay, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples has accepted our invitation to visit Aotearoa New Zealand and consider our case against the Government.

Mr Cali-Tzay is a Mayan Cakchiquel from Guatemala and has represented indigenous peoples at the United Nations since the early 1980s.

Mr Cali-Tzay was appointed to the Special Rapporteur role in 2020. He is the highest-ranking independent expert on indigenous peoples’ rights appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Commission.

Mr Cali-Tzay is scheduled to meet with Wairarapa Moana Incorporation on 7-8 April 2024, to be fully briefed on the actions of the Government in forcing settlement of our Wai 85 claim and stopping active legal proceedings and the return of our land by the Waitangi Tribunal.

Where are you?

The office is seeking the whereabouts of these shareholders, descendants, or trustees.

The role of the Special Rapporteur1 is to:

• Promote good practices, e.g laws, programmes and agreements between indigenous peoples and Governments.

• Make recommendations and proposals on how to prevent and remedy violation of the rights of indigenous peoples.

• Report on the human rights situation of indigenous peoples globally.

• Address specific cases of alleged violations of indigenous peoples’ rights.

1Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples | OHCHR.

This is a follow up to the meeting with Anne Carter, Committee of Management, whilst she was in New York last year attending the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

WMI has been pleased to collaborate with the New Zealand Human Rights Commission, Auckland University, Wakatū Incorporation, and the Iwi Chairs Forum on this 10-day visit by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples.

Shane Nathan Te Whiti Cutts

Francine Leach

Thomas George Winitana

Matawai Waaka

Rosina Te Rauhina Carter

Mary Waaka

Gary Ricardo Papanui

If you are able to provide any relevant information or contact details, please contact Amethyst on 06

370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or wmoffice@ wairarapamoana.org.nz

WAIRARAPA MOANA mailer 4
Mr Jose Francisco Cali-Tzay

Modelling for Future Land Use Options

On Thursday, January 18, Wairarapa Moana hosted a meeting of Māori agribusiness leaders representing land networks across Te Tairawhiti, Te Arawa and Tūwharetoa.

Tanira Kingi and Phil Journeaux introduced the Takahuri Whenua programme, that provides detailed GIS maps of whenua Māori resources. It also provides alternative land-use options and scenarios for arable, horticulture and forestry, and at the same time assesses the impact of increasing productivity as well as reducing GHG emissions.

This initiative aims to position Māori agribusiness strategically in the long term, enabling it to influence government policy and regulations, respond to market trends and leverage the inherent strengths of their land for global markets. This will be made possible by Māori leaders collaborating together and consolidating their data on a common information platform across the regional networks. Other Māori networks around the country will be encouraged to join.

If you are interested in hearing more about the programme contact the regional representatives in your area –TeHoripo Karaitiana, tehoripo@ teawanui.co.nz, Alan Haronga, alan@gisnx.co.nz Tanira@kokiri.net.nz and Bob Cottrell, bob.cottrell@xtra.co.nz

TEHORIPO KARAITIANA

TeHoripo brings over 40 years of diverse experience in senior roles across Māori, community, private, and public sectors. Notably, he played a role in influencing climate change policy and contributing to NZ's Biological Emission Reduction Science and Mātauranga Plan. As a crucial member of the NZ Agriculture Greenhouse Gas Research Centre’s Toihau Board, he shapes funding decisions for programmes like Takahuri Whenua.

Currently, as Chief Executive of Te Awanui Huka Pak Limited, he leads a Māori-owned kiwifruit collective, emphasising innovation and technology. Recently appointed to the Miraka Board, TeHoripo is committed to fostering positive outcomes for Māori economic growth through a blend of cultural values and business expertise.

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Back row. L–R: Mihaere Kirby, Tanira Kingi, Clinton Hemana, Greig Pardoe, TeHoripo Karaitiana, Peter Karaitiana, Anaru Smiler, Brett Bennett, Tim Rhodes, Gareth Hughes and Alan Haronga. Front row. L–R: Jacqui Bolton, Phil Journeaux, Bob Cottrell, Kingi Smiler, Diana Anderson, Stan Pardoe and Anthony Creswell.

TE REO O HĀKUI

“Te Reo o Hākui” is a one-year tikanga training programme for fluent speakers of Māori.

It is open to males and females. Māori concepts in both traditional times, (before contact with Pākehā) and today, are examined. Ideas like tapu and noa, mauri and wairua, mana whenua and koha are put under the microscope. The various stages of pōhiri are studied in detail, a range of tribal differences are covered and pepeha are significantly enhanced. This knowledge is the foundation on which students create their own karanga and whaikōrero. The course is delivered through a series of eight weekend noho marae 5pm Fri-12noon Sunday starting in March each year.

This School was established in 2021 with a small group of students who were teaching in our Kohanga Reo or teaching at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Wairarapa and kaihaka from Te Rangiura o Wairarapa. These original students (in their 30s), all whakapapa to Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu and live in Wairarapa.

Since then, we have had another intake successfully complete the programme. In November 2023, the school held a Korowaitanga ceremony at Te Ore Ore Marae, to acknowledge the contribution these people are making to the mana of our Wairarapa marae, iwi, hāpū and whānau.

To join the programme, contact hrobens@waicol.nz to arrange an interview in Te Reo Māori. Currently, there is no cost for the students on this programme due to the financial sponsorship from these organisations. (See below).

Nā Te Reo o Hākui Wairarapa, e tuku atu ana tēnei mihi aroha ki a koutou, ko Wairarapa Moana, ko Te Mātāwai, ko Rangitane Tū Mai Rā, ko REAP Wairarapa, ko Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua Settlement Trust me koutou ko Kahungunu Ki Wairarapa mo te pūtea tautoko.

They are our Rangapū Tuarua, Ataarangi Daley, Tanayah Ratima, Huria Robens (Hākuia), Aroha Pirere, Geraldine Carroll.

WAIRARAPA MOANA mailer 6
Top inserts L–R: Hineoteata Nepe-Apatu and Anne-Marie Nepe-Apatu. L–R: Marlene Harris; Huria Robens, (Hākuia); Te Whakapono Waikare; Jasmine Robens; and Piriairini Peretini. Top inserts L–R: Jenishavorne Waipuka and Pirihira Potangaroa-Waiwiri.

Waitangi Day Celebration Returns to Marae

Hundreds of people gathered at Hurunui-o-Rangi Marae in Gladstone on 6 February for the firstever Waitangi Day celebration at the marae.

One of the day’s 50 organisers, Marlene Matiaha Paewai, said it was all about coming together in a fun and embracing environment.

She said they had managed to plan the event in about six weeks and that the Gladstone and Carterton communities had been “amazing to work with”.

They wanted to “breathe some life” back into the marae by opening the gates to the wider Wairarapa community.

“We want to bring that human energy back into the marae,” she said.

Hurunui-o-Rangi Marae has recently been renovated, and has built several new houses for kaumātua.

There was plenty of gratitude among the crowd for bringing Waitangi Day celebrations back to a marae. There are hopes that other marae will take turns to host visitors for the annual celebrations. Matiaha Paewai said the event at Hurunuio-Rangi had set the template for what other marae could do. There has been discussion about opening the marae to everyone on other occasions, such as services for Anzac Day or Matariki.

“There’s lots of different kaupapa to bring the whānau,” Matiaha Paewai said.

It is estimated that about 500 people walked through the front gate of Hurunui-o-Rangi Marae, where there was

a selection of free and paid food, with some paid stalls fundraising for things like a school trip to Samoa.

Local community service providers set up stalls to provide information and advice, with some stalls providing diabetes and blood pressure checks, and others giving information on sun safety.

The day featured a children’s zone with rides and bouncy castles. Students from Carterton schools travelled to Hurunui-o-Rangi, and some tamariki got onstage to perform. Article and photo courtesy of Marlee Partridge, Wairarapa Times-Age

Find out more ...

WM Facebook Join us on Facebook as we share every-thing from on farm action to trust scholarships, wànanga and waiata, through to our history, news and photos.

https://www.facebook.com/WairarapaMoanaInc

WM Website For information, news and events. https://www.wairarapamoana.org.nz

WM Waiata on YouTube Check out the Wairarapa Moana YouTube channel and listen to the collection of waiata https://www.youtube. com/channel/UCRBU5TvlRmJXh8atuVppAnw

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Kaumatua Christmas Luau at Hurunui-o-Rangi Marae

Saturday 25 November, the sun was shining brightly with occasional heavy rain but the weather didn’t deter our kaumatua from coming out to enjoy their special day and, as expected, some arrived early. It was so good to see their smiling faces. They were received and taken straight into the warm wharenui to sit down and relax. The new heat pump was cranking!

Once inside kaumatua greeted each other, pulled out their ukuleles and joyously sang a few well-known songs and Wairarapa waiata, while waiting for others to arrive.

Te Whakapono Waikare proceeded with the whakatau.

Later on, kaumatua expressed to us ……

“We especially enjoyed the korero in the wharenui.”

“Ka pai the kai was good.”

Hine Webster, speaking with her cousin Keepa, commented:

“The Luau was lovely cuz. The korero inside the marae I thought was very educational, learning about where everyone comes from and who their connections were to Hurunui-o-Rangi. It was amazing how we all connect, whānau so good to see everyone and meet new people, the spouses of whānau who have passed on aww… I really did enjoy the whole day. The kai, it was lovely and plenty of it! The entertainment was great and the start and finish time was good, at least no one had to drive home in the dark.”.

Kaumatua were welcomed into the whare kai, by Kepz, Rose and Polynesian Horizons had a traditional Hawaiian ukulele serenade and lei greet receiving leis. Kaumatua were seated at tables. MC, Mereana Lopa, introduced herself. Te Whakapono completed karakia, and blessed the kai.

Te Rerearangi choir sang a Tommy Taurima repertoire and Christmas songs and everyone joined in. It was a very special occasion, an enjoyable one for our kaumatua. Thanks to the many hands who helped support this kaupapa. Your tautoko, koha, time and service for our beautiful kaumatua to reunite, korero, dine, share stories, waiata, kanikani, laugh is very much appreciated.

Rosina and Keepa Smith would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank Wairarapa Moana for approving funding for this kaupapa: Kaumatua Christmas Luau, held at Hurunui-o-Rangi Marae.

WAIRARAPA MOANA mailer 8
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EDUCATION GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS

Wairarapa Moana are proud Taihonoa Partners of

Tertiary education scholarships awarded by Wairarapa Moana are matched dollarfor-dollar by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington through the Taihonoa partnership programme. Since the inception of the partnership five years ago, a total of 24 scholarship recipients have received a total $33,750.00, as shown in the table below.

When deciding about your tertiary journey and which university you want to attend, the Wairarapa Moana partnership with Victoria University may prompt you to consider studying at this prestigious institution.

To register your interest for a Wairarapa Moana 2024 application, contact the Masterton office on 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or email trust@wairarapamoana.org.nz

Education Funding 2024

Scholarships are available to descendants of an original Wairarapa Moana owner. Criteria is applied to all funding.

FUTURE LEADERS SCHOLARSHIPS

Open Thursday 29 February Closing

12.00pm Wednesday 3 April 2024

Ngā Kete o Te Wānanga – Tertiary Scholarships are targeted at students studying a diploma, degree, Masters or PhD .

Ngā Mahi Ā-Rehe – Trade Training & Apprenticeship Scholarships are provided to those studying and working towards a trade or an apprenticeship.

POUTAMA FUND GRANT

There is no closing date and applications are available until the annual funding is used. Particularly useful to Wairarapa Moana descendants wanting to "Bridge a Gap" towards pre-requisite study to get into a threeyear degree, or to complete a certificate, or a license for enhanced employment opportunities.

TE KETE URUURU TAU SCHOLARSHIPS

Two special scholarships available to various fields within agri-business.

Inquiries welcome, applications are available from the office.

Telephone: 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624

Email: trust@wairarapamoana.org.nz

WAIRARAPA MOANA mailer 10
Year No. of students Amount 2019 7 $10,250.00 2020 2 $3,500.00 2021 5 $6,750.00 2022 5 $7,500.00 2023 5 $5,750.00 Total 24 $33,750.00

WAIR ARAPA MOANA MERCHANDISE

The office has the following merchandise available for purchase. To order, contact Amethyst at wmoffice@ wairarapamoana.org.nz or visit our website shop at www.wairarapamoana.org.nz/shop/

WAIRARAPA MOANA: THE LAKE AND ITS PEOPLE

The story of the North Island’s third largest lake complex from history to environmental problems

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Notification of a Deceased Shareholder

If you know of any shareholder who has passed away please inform the office.

This will enable us to keep our records up to date, and we can also provide assistance on succeeding to the Wairarapa Moana Incorporation shares and any other Māori land interests.

Ma runga i te aroha, kia mau ki tō whanau me ngā whakapapa ka ora ai te tamaiti.

From a place of love, hold fast to your family and your connection to your ancestors for the wellbeing of future generations

This whakataukī encourages people to nurture, love and care for whānau members, the idea of collective responsibility which emphasises the importance of whānau and their connection to each other.

Contact Amethyst on 0800 662 624 or

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wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz

A Walk Down Memory Lane

NGĀTUERE TĀWHIRIMĀTEA TĀWHAO

Ngātuere was born at Te Pāparu, a Wairarapa pā near Te Ahikōuka, in the vicinity of the Waiōhine River. His father was Tāwhirimātea and his grandfather Te Ātāhuna, both leaders of Ngāti Kahukura-awhitia, one of the most populous hapū of Ngāti Kahungunu in Wairarapa.

His mother was Kaurangaihi. Ngātuere had kinship ties with many hapū, including Ngāti Te Tohinga, Ngāi Tamahau, Ngai Tūāwhio, Ngāi Tūkoko, Ngāti Rongomaipare, Ngāti Tāneroa and Ngāti Waipūhoro. He was said to be 117 years of age at his death; if so, he was born as early as 1772. It is certain that his life spanned the whole period of Pākehā colonisation, and that he had to deal with its effects in Wairarapa when already an elderly man. He showed a marked capacity to change in the face of the new. He was a strong character and asserted his traditional authority against both younger men and Pākehā newcomers.

Ngātuere gave an account to the Native Land Court of the migration of Ngāti Kahukura-awhitia from Heretaunga (Hawke’s Bay) to Wairarapa. Three brothers, one of them Pōuri from whom Ngātuere was descended, brought Te Rangitāwhanga, a great-grandson of the ancestor Kahukuraawhitia, to his mother’s relatives in Wairarapa. Pōuri negotiated with Te Rerewa, Te Rangitāwhanga’s uncle, the right to occupy land in exchange for carved canoes. The land included the district where Ngātuere was born, near present day Greytown. Ngāti Kahukura-awhitia gradually cleared the forest, until in the time of Tāwhirimātea, father of Ngātuere, it had become an open plain.

Little is recorded of the early life of Ngātuere, except the various places where his people lived while he was a youth. By the 1820s, when the northern peoples who had migrated to the Cook Strait coast invaded the Wairarapa region, he was already a major tribal leader. His people were driven from their homes by a war expedition led by Mananui Te Heuheu Tūkino II of Ngāti Tuwharetoa. His wife’s father was carried off at the battle of Tauwharenīkau (Tauherenikau); later, one of Ngātuere’s elder brothers was killed at Te Waihinga by Ngāti Toa. Ngātuere was one of the chiefs who escaped after the defeat at Pēhikatea about 1834. After this event most of the people of Wairarapa, including Ngātuere, took refuge at Nukutaurua on the Mahia peninsula.

Before the flight north, Ngātuere said, ‘they constantly fled from place to place in fear’.

They were away about eight years, and then returned after negotiations with Te Wharepōuri of Te Āti Awa. At first the Wairarapa people stayed together for mutual protection. Then as their confidence grew, they began to reoccupy their former lands. Ngātuere and his people went back to the area around Te Ahikōuka and Pāpāwai. At this time Pākehā settlement of Wairarapa was just beginning. The region was being explored by surveyors of the New Zealand Company and settlers were looking for land to graze their sheep.

In this situation Ngātuere responded vigorously to challenges to his authority as a person of mana. These challenges came from younger men, more experienced in dealing with Pākehā, such as Te Mānihera Te Rangi-takai-waho and Raniera Te Iho-o-te-rangi, from the agents of the Crown; and from the missionary William Colenso, who seems to have deliberately affronted his mana. In 1846 Ngātuere received Colenso with kindness at his new pā, Ōtaraia, on a bend in the Ruamahanga River, just above Lake Wairarapa, but the missionary’s arrogant nature and tone of moral superiority soon led to bitter quarrels.

In 1847 a road was being built from the Hutt Valley north to the place where the town of Featherston would be founded. Colenso feared that his converts in the district, which was part of his ‘parish’, would suffer evil results from working on the road, that they would work on Sundays, and be exposed to the temptations of alcohol and prostitution.

Ngātuere had quarrelled violently with the Pākehā roadworkers and withdrawn his people from the work. But he took the chance to damage Colenso’s reputation by spreading the story that the missionary had warned

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Ngātuere

him that the road would be used by the military to destroy the Māori. William Williams, the East Coast missionary, considered that Ngātuere had tried to discredit Colenso because he had objected to Ngatuere’s allowing a young girl to co-habit with one of the roadworkers.

The relationship between Ngātuere and Colenso grew worse. He refused to go near Colenso’s tent at Kaikōkirikiri, north of Masterton, unless a tohunga, whom Ngātuere believed to have killed his daughter, Ani Kānara Maitū, by witchcraft, was sent away. He and his brother, Ngāiro, made Colenso’s work difficult by encouraging horse-racing at Kopuaranga and allowing the young men to drink spirits. At the marriage of Hemi Te Miha, when both men were present, Colenso grossly insulted Ngātuere and Ngāiro by tossing aside their gift of tobacco. Smoking, for Colenso, was another moral evil. The enraged Ngātuere vowed he would never allow a Christian minister to settle in his district.

Ngātuere’s frequent rages and acts of violence earned him an unfavourable reputation among settlers who were, however, happy enough to accept his protection when they needed it. W. B. D. Mantell described him as a bully. However, a man of his time and standing, would have been under a severe strain in coping with the coming of colonisation. And in fact he did respond positively to those changes, even though an old man. He learned to write fluently in Māori and was capable of dealing shrewdly with Europeans over land matters. He consistently opposed the agents of the Crown who were seeking to buy land, and was able to hold on to his own interests when others were losing theirs. While others failed to protect themselves, he was able to prevent the settler B. P. Perry from occupying a section of the Taratahi block, and to remove C. B. Borlase from his Waihākeke run.

In his later life he was constantly at odds with Te Mānihera Te Rangi-taka-i-waho. These clashes began in 1848 when some junior chiefs forged the signatures of Ngātuere and other senior chiefs on a deed purporting to sell the Tauwharenīkau block to the Crown. Then in 1852 Te Mānihera added insult to injury by allowing his horse to beat those of Ngātuere and Ngāiro at the Kopuaranga races. There were differences too, over land sales, and over the flour mill, built by the Government, became the source of bad feeling between the two chiefs. Te Mānihera, determined to be the main patron of Pāpāwai, did all he could to prevent Ngātuere and his people from using the mill. By 1868 Ngātuere had withdrawn his people from Pāpāwai altogether.

The Wairarapa rūnanga, established in 1859, was also a source of dispute between Ngātuere and Te Mānihera. Ngātuere’s brother, Ngāiro, had been one of its founders,

but Te Mānihera was soon seen as its leader. In 1860 a ‘fearful row’ broke out between Ngātuere and some Ngāi Tahu over the ownership of the Hurunuiōrangi reserve. Te Mānihera and the rūnanga supported the Ngai Tahu claim, while Ngātuere turned to the Government for support.

Ngātuere was not wholly opposed to the rūnanga, or to the King movement and the Pai Marire religion. His brother was deeply involved in all three, and the two seem generally to have been in agreement. He promptly accepted the invitation to attend the Kohimarama conference of 1860, and this induced other chiefs to go, including Te Mānihera. In the war that followed Ngātuere kept Wairarapa from becoming another theatre of war. Though there were plenty of land disputes with the Government, Ngātuere refused to allow local people, in association with a Hauhau faction, to attack settlers. He took up a pro-Government position in order to protect his own and his people’s interests.

A Wairarapa tradition tells that Ngātuere went to meet an approaching hostile war party, either King movement or Hauhau, in the mid 1860s. He met them ten miles north of Masterton, and so great were their numbers, his mouth dropped open in surprise. The place came to have the name Mikimikitanga-o-te-mata-o-Ngātuere-Tāwhirimātea-Tāwhao (surprise on the face of Ngātuere-Tāwhirimātea Tāwhao). It was later shortened to Mikimiki, but a road sign bearing the full name, one of the longest in New Zealand, was erected in 1975. A further tradition records that at the spot where Ngātuere and other chiefs met Governor George Grey to discuss the keeping of peace in Wairarapa, a huge tōtara post was erected and named after Ngātuere, ‘Poroua Tāwhao’.

Although an Anglican clergyman, the Reverend Pineaha Te Mahauariki, officiated at his burial, Ngātuere may never have become a Christian. At Native Land Court hearings (with only one late exception) he did not swear on the Bible, but gave an affirmation. He had more than one wife: Te Mapu, the sister of Te Mātorohanga, the tohunga and sage, whose knowledge was recorded by Hoani Te Whatahoro Jury; Mere Makarini; and Ani Pātene.

Although he was considered ‘loyal’, and was at one time appointed an assessor for the Native Land Court, he was too independent and autocratic to be appreciated by Europeans. But to his own people he was the embodiment of mana and tapu. He died on 29 November 1890 and was buried near Waiōhine, not far from his place of birth. He was survived by four daughters and three sons, of whom two are known: a son, Kingi Ngātuere, and a daughter, Ākenehi Ngātuere. A carved figure representing him stands at Pāpāwai.

13

We have set a new record!

Twice the silage has been produced on our farms’ year to date, compared to any past season.

High quality grass is the foundation feed for Wairarapa Moana Incorporation farms.

“Every year we aim to produce high quality grass for our cows,” said Gareth Hughes, General Manager Farms.

“We are pleased to report that the season to date has been exceptional for pasture growth.”

This means we need less external feed, and that helps manage our overall costs.

Careful planning is required to ensure that the silage we make is of the highest quality and maintains high energy levels.

Better feed, better milk production. Poor quality silage is also less attractive to our cows. They know the good stuff.

WMI acknowledges our silage contractors, who have worked with us to make sure we harvest at the right time. This is not without its challenges, as WMI is not the only farm in the district enjoying the benefits of the current weather. We thank them for their support.

“Importantly,

this also means we are well

placed to manage our feed if we get any dry spells through autumn. We are now well set up feed wise for the next season.”

We are on track with milk solid production. Everyone is working hard to achieve our targets, but it is still early days.

The WMI farm team looks forward to sharing the 2023/24 season results with shareholders and whānau in the 2023/24 Annual Report.

Shareholder Search –Can you help?

We would like your help to trace descendants of shareholder EREURA NGARORI KINGI

Any information you may be able to share with us will be most appreciated. Call Amethyst on 0800 662 624 or email wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz

WAIRARAPA MOANA mailer 14
From left: Haley Webber; Kim Turner; Gareth Hughes; Michael Allan; Kingi Smiler; Sonya Rimene; Anaru Smiler; TeHoripo Karaitiana; Brett Bennett.

Wairarapa Moana: The Lake and Its People

As we have come to the end of the book, we wish to acknowledge those who have contributed chapters to Wairarapa Moana: The Lake and Its People.

Christine Barnett: Has worked as an archaeologist and heritage consultant for many years, including more than ten years in Canada. Currently is the Regional Archaeologist at Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.

Jim Flack: Has enjoyed a varied working career that has included: Media journalist; Department of Conservation; Ministry of Fisheries; Communications Adviser for Greater Wellington Regional Council; and more recently, Conservation Tutor for Te Pūkenga at Pukaha.

Ian Gunn: Worked as a Hydrogeologist with the former Wairarapa Catchment Board and its successor, Greater Wellington Regional Council, in a number of roles, latterly working as the Wairarapa Moana Wetland Projects Coordinator.

Murray Hemi: Served on the Committee of Management, Wairarapa Moana ki Pouākani Incorporation; past Chairman of Wairarapa Moana Trust.

Amber McEwan: Is a freshwater ecologist who works as a consultant and communicator.

Alton Perrie: Is a freshwater scientist working at Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Joseph Potangaroa: Is a researcher/writer of Wairarapa Māori history and tikanga.

John Rhodes: A Wairarapa local with many interests including amateur geology; tramping; writing; photography; and travel.

Colin Scadden: Enjoyed a life-long interest in birds and natural history. Lake Wairarapa and Onoke Spit, with a particular interest in Caspian Terns nests. For many years Chairman of the National Wildlife Centre Trust.

Tony Silbery: Has worked as a DOC Biodiversity Ranger with an interest in the plants of Wairarapa Moana. Also had a particular affection for the unique group of plants, birds and animals to be found on Onoke Spit.

Bruce Stirling: Has been involved in researching, writing and presenting reports to the Waitangi Tribunal. Also worked as a professional historian on a variety of other projects related to Māori land, heritage, New Zealand public history, and environmental issues.

Haami Te Whaiti: Was a committee member of the Mangakino Township Incorporation (1981-2000); chaired the Wairarapa Moana Trust. Led the reconstruction of the Mākōtukutuku wharepuni exhibition at Te Papa for Ngāti Hinewaka and represented them in their Treaty claims. Curator Māori for the Wairarapa history and Wairarapa Moana exhibitions at Aratoi.

Gareth Winter: Was the District Archivist for the Masterton District Council’s Wairarapa Archive. Has written nine books on aspects of Wairarapa history and has a particular interest in the Ruamahanga River system.

Can you help?

WILLIAM JAMES ASHTON

The office is holding unclaimed dividends for William, and we are attempting to locate any descendants or rightful beneficiaries and would appreciate any information that may bring a successful result. This is the information we have about William:

William’s parents were Joey Matenga Ashton and Inez Sarah Blunden.

William’s last known address on the Share Register was 9/32 Fintonia Road, Noble Park, Victoria, Australia 3174.

William’s siblings are Eric Ashton, Joy Thompson, Louis Honi Joseph Ashton, General Ashton, Joseph Richard Herbert Ashton and Elaine Tira Hine Te Wai Bonner.

Any information you can share with us would be greatly appreciated. Call Amethyst on 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or email: wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz

15

Shareholder Bank Accounts

Dividends are paid by direct credit to bank accounts.

If you are living overseas and have unpaid dividends, these will be paid by direct credit to your overseas bank account in March, June, September or December; or to your New Zealand bank account if you have one.

If you are living in New Zealand, unpaid dividends will continue to be direct credited to your New Zealand bank account.

Thank you to all our shareholders who have provided new or updated postal addresses and bank account details.

To update your shareholder details please contact Amethyst Tauese by email wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz or call 0800 662 624 or 06 370 2608.

Amethyst is available Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 2.30pm.

Do you have

EREURA NGARORI KINGI

RORA NGARORI KINGI

WILLIAM JAMES ASHTON

PHILLIPA ALTON HERA PENI

JOHN MITA

NELLIE HIKA TAPAIRU ANGELL

MARGARET WATENE

PARETAHI ELIZABETH NAERA

SARAH HARAWIRA HADFIELD ESTATE

PAKIRI HAEATA

COLLINS PARKER

MARY ELIZABETH MILES

PANIA PIWARI

FIONA ILENE ANDREWS

ROBERTA ARCHIBALD

MIRIAMA IRENE MILLICENT HING WHĀNAU TRUST

KOTAHI HUDSON

PITA TE WHAITI

ANGALINA MARION GORDON

KAREN WAIKUINI BENHAM

MATTHEW EDWARD CHASE

HEMI MATENGA WHĀNAU TRUST

MELANIE SUSIE PARKER

TERRY MICHAEL PAKI

MARY KOIA

Ngaere can help you meet the deadline below.

If you have any queries please contact Ngaere Webb, Amethyst Tauese, Cheryl Wilmshurst or Charmaine Kawana at the Masterton office.

PEEHI TAUEKI

WILLIAM COOK WAAKA

MARY ANN GUILDFORD WHĀNAU

TRUST

HOKOTOKI PAORA COLE

TIARI NGARORI KINGI

MARGARET LOUISE WIDSON SMITH

IRENE BALLARD

LINDA ANN EDWARDS

KAREPA MATAIRA

TAPATA KINGI

KAHUTUTURA MATAIRA

RAIMA GEALE

MANINI PARAONE

HOHEPA TE WHAITI

KAHU NOPERA HIMONA

AROHA MACDONALD

TE PUKE ITI NOEMA MATENGA

AMIRIA HEMI

JANET ROSENA MCDOWELL

HINE MIHI PEPERE

MAKERE SQUIRE

RONALD MICHAEL THOMS

LAWRENCE MARTIN PARKER

HIRANI NGARETA BAKER

ALLEN FRANCIS KARIPA

16 WAIRARAPA MOANA mailer Freepost 158415 Wairarapa Moana House PO Box 2019 4 Park Avenue Kuripuni, Masterton 5842 Masterton 5810 Phone: 06 370 2608 Email: info@wairarapamoana.org.nz Freephone: 0800 662 624 Website: www.wairarapamoana.org.nz 50 Unclaimed Dividends If you are able to provide any information that can help us to make contact with these shareholders or their descendants, please contact the office on 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or email wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz
a story, a news item, or a pānui you’d like to share in the
Ngaere on 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or ngaere@wairarapamoana.org.nz
ISSUE CLOSING DATE FOR ARTICLES DISTRIBUTION BY POST 74 Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Monday, June 24, 2024 Office Hours: 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday, closed Friday.
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