Miraka visits Burra Foods
Pictured (L-R): Josephine Rees, Burra GM Sales & Marketing; Daiju Hashimoto, Itochu Australia GM Food Division; Shuichi Ukon, Itochu Global GM Dairy Products; Clayton Crowther, Miraka Export Sales Manager; Richard Harding, Acting Miraka CEO; Sarah Kember, Miraka GM Sales & Marketing; Te Horipo Karaitiana, Miraka Director; Richard Gu, Burra Chairman and Stewart Carson, Burra CEO.
In May, a small delegation from Miraka travelled across the Tasman to strengthen the company’s growing partnership with Australian dairy manufacturer, Burra Foods.
Burra, headquartered in Melbourne, has been operating for over 30 years and specialises in producing premium dairy ingredients. With a strong presence in key Asian markets, Burra maintains sales offices in Japan and China - two of its key export markets.
Miraka has been manufacturing frozen milk concentrate since August 2020. Burra and other customers use this in a variety of food service applications, mostly coffee house chains.
The Miraka delegation included Director and WMI Deputy Chair, Te Horipo Karaitiana; Acting CEO, Richard Harding; GM Sales & Marketing, Sarah Kember; and Export Sales Manager, Clayton Crowther.
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During their visit, the team met with Burra’s Chairman, CEO, and shareholder representatives from Itochu (Japan) and June 2025
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Mengniu (China). In a strong show of commitment to the partnership, some attendees travelled from Japan specifically to join the meeting with Miraka.
The Miraka team toured a third-generation supplier farm near Warragul, located in Victoria’s renowned Gippsland region. The farm, home to a 900-cow herd, is at the forefront of innovation with robotic milking technology.
The group also visited Burra’s dairy plant in Korumburra, a 30-minute drive from Warragul. The plant has been a cornerstone part of the local community. Both towns are situated on the ancestral lands of the Gunaikurnai and Bunurong people.
A special highlight of the trip was a 'Welcome to Country' ceremony, where the Miraka team had the honour of meeting local elder Uncle Lloyd Hood and engaging in kōrero with him.
Looking ahead, Burra’s leadership team is set to make a reciprocal visit to Mokai in July. This upcoming exchange will provide an important opportunity for Miraka to showcase the company’s culture, values, and story as both dairy companies continue to strengthen their relationship.
Miraka Farewells CEO, Karl Gradon
In March, Miraka farewelled CEO, Karl Gradon, who stepped down from the role for whānau and personal reasons.
Miraka Chair, Bruce Scott, acknowledged Karl and attributed much of Miraka’s recent growth and success during the past three years to his leadership and efforts resetting the business for future success.
“Karl Gradon has successfully navigated Miraka through a significant period of change, leading the reorganisation of the business to set Miraka up for the long term, intergenerational success, as was envisioned by our founding leaders and shareholders.”
Karl Gradon said: “Leading Miraka has been a rewarding experience both professionally and personally. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together as a whānau and business. I am confident in the company’s continued success.”
Miraka Chief Operating Officer, Richard Harding, has been appointed Acting CEO in the interim.
Karl Gradon
Wai 85 still on United Nations Agenda
Professor Claire Charters, Ngāti Whakaue, in a recent speech to the United Nations criticised the New Zealand Government for not implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and its policy and legislative strategy to dismantle Māori rights.
Using the WMI experience as an example, she highlighted that in our case the Government effectively, through legislation, overrode a Supreme Court’s decision for the return of the Pouākani lands.
Claire spoke to delegates and Indigenous experts at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, New York in April on behalf of the National Iwi Leaders Forum, Wairarapa Moana (WMI) and Te Here-ā-Nuku from Wakatū.
WMI thanks Claire for her continued support and advocacy on our behalf with the United Nations.
The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Francisco Cali Tzay, following his visit in 2024 raised our Wai 85 case with the New Zealand Government and received a “non-response.”
WMI is still awaiting a decision from the Court of Appeal on its appeal of the High Court decision on its application that the Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-ā-Rua Settlement Act is inconsistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act. The case was heard by the Court of Appeal in October 2024.
Where are you?
The office is seeking the whereabouts of these shareholders, descendants, or trustees.
Margaret Rose Allan
Michael Weka Tawhai
Barbara Lee Quinn
John Te One Harawira
Kelvin Anaru Maynard
Himiona Reremoana Tipu
Charlene Michelle Jaggard
David Michael John Tawhiti
Walter Edward Harrison
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
Professor Claire Charters
Farm update
WMI Board members recently completed another of its visits to our farms; it was great for the Board to be able to meet with staff and gain valuable insight into day-to-day operations.
These visits are an opportunity for governance and management to come together and discuss progress on our farms as the seasons continue to roll out.
This time around, we had a great example of the circular economy in action: surplus kiwifruit used as supplementary food for our cows. Our summer season in Mangakino was marked by major drought conditions, so this kind of resilience and creative problem solving is so important.
As always, we want to extend a huge thanks to our farm managers, whose work always increases when there’s less rain, less grass and more feeding out to do. The team was very happy to get some rain in early April that greened everything back up.
Our high-care, high-efficiency model underpins a lot of this work. We’re always making little tweaks based on the information we have to hand — we’re big on data and evidence up here — and so we’re committed to
farming for both profitability and long-term sustainability. We are currently exploring new opportunities and landuses, such as a foray into truffles and mushrooms which has meant engaging in some different planting methods and onfarm science.
These are long-term projects that will take a long time to yield but reflect our commitment to research-led decisionmaking and diversifying for the future.
Establishment of the truffle orchard.
Kiwifruit being used as supplementary feed.
Māori Land Court Clinic – Wairarapa Moana
The Māori Land Court, Tākitimu District, holds monthly clinics at the Wairarapa Moana office in Masterton.
These clinics are designed to provide face-to-face support for Wairarapa whānau who may find it difficult to travel to a district court office elsewhere in the motu. Appointments cover a range of Māori land matters, including: Succession, Establishing Whānau Trusts, Removing or replacing trustees, and more.
Nicola Matcheson, a dedicated kaimahi from the Tākitimu office, travels to Masterton to meet with whānau who have pre-booked appointments.
Whānau Reflections
I feel at home in the Wairarapa Moana office. I support the clinic. Amethyst and Nicola have great hearts and are committed to helping our people understand the process from start to finish…….Ramari Gray
The Wairarapa Moana service has been excellent. These clinics save whānau from having to travel to Māori Land Court offices, especially since we don’t have one here in Masterton. The face-to-face support is invaluable. Amethyst is a true asset – she ensures everything is followed through to the end……. Ariel Te Maari
I’ve had the most pleasant hui with Nicola. These clinics are incredibly beneficial. Without guidance from competent staff, many of us would still be lost – unsure of where our lands are or how to trace our ancestors. I’m 100% in favour of these clinics. They’re accessible and should be promoted more widely so others can benefit as I have. Thanks to Nicola and the Wairarapa Moana House team, we’ve made significant progress with our succession journey – nearly 100 years in the making. One hui with Nicola helped us uncover a crucial detail: a single letter in our grandfather’s name was incorrect. That correction allowed us to reconnect with our whakapapa. We now know who we truly are, both on paper and in our hearts.…….Katherine Rewi
Ngā mihi to our Māori Land Court clinic whānau for all your support. Special thanks to Amethyst for all your help…….Leon Sheeran
To book an appointment with Nicola at the Masterton clinic, please contact the Tākitimu office at 06 974 7630 or speak with Amethyst at the Wairarapa Moana office.
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 wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz
L–R: Amethyst Tauese and Nicola Matcheson
Ahuwhenua Trophy – Excellence in Māori Farming Award 2025 – Sheep and Beef
The Ahuwhenua Trophy acknowledges and celebrates business excellence in New Zealand's important pastoral and horticultural sectors.
This competition is held annually, alternating each year between dairy and sheep & beef, and now also horticulture. The 2025 competition is for Māori Sheep and Beef farmers.
It is now 91 years since the Ahuwhenua Trophy was inaugurated by the visionary Māori leader, Sir Apirana Ngata, and the Governor General at the time Lord Bledisloe, and the competition remains as relevant and as prestigious now as it was almost a century ago.
The Ahuwhenua Trophy competition was introduced to encourage skill and proficiency in Māori farming. Sir Apirana Ngata realised the importance of retaining and improving what remained of Māori land was critical. He led the renaissance of Māori land development which had been decimated during the colonisation of New Zealand by forced sales and lack of opportunity and access to development capital.
While the values and vision of Sir Apirana and Lord Bledisloe have remained unchanged, the way the competition is run has moved with the times, especially since its re-launch in 2003.
The two finalists for this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy competition for sheep and beef were announced in February by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Todd McClay, at a function in the banquet hall at the Beehive. Also presenting was the Minister for Māori Development, Hon. Tama Potaka.
The two finalists selected were:
• Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust from Te Tai Tokerau.
• The Proprietors of Tawapata South, Onenui Station from Hawke’s Bay.
Field days for the two farms were held during April.
Nukuhia Hadfield, Chair of the Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee, says it is fantastic to see these excellent finalists who will add to the impressive alumni created by this award. She says the last few years have been hard for all sheep and beef farmers around the country as they have fought to stay in business against the odds of adverse weather and lower prices, especially for sheep meat.
Tawapata south Māori Incorporation Onenui Station Mahia.
“Māori farmers have been among the worst affected by the adverse weather given that many are in areas such as the East Coast of the North Island which bore the brunt of cyclone Gabrielle and other heavy rainstorms."
2025 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award
Primary ITO is once again proud to support the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award for 2025.
Finalists in the 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award for sheep and beef have been announced. They are:
• Coby Warmington (Te Mahurehure, Ngāpuhi) Coby, 29, is the Farm Manager at Waima Topu Beef Ltd, a bull beef finishing farm in Waima, Northland.
• Grace Watson (Whakatōhea) Grace, 24, is currently employed as a Shepherd General for Wendy and Reon Verry of Verry Farming Limited on their 1,000ha (effective) Puketitiri Station in the King Country, near Te Kuiti.
• Puhirere Tau (Ngāpuhi, Ngati Porou) Puhirere, 27, is currently serving as Head Shepherd at Puatai Station, a bull finishing block on the East Coast. He plays a crucial role in managing a 650ha farm.
Congratulations – Te Tai Tokerau were the big winners at the Ahuwhenua Trophy 2025 awards with both top prizes going to Northland farmers. Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust was awarded the 2025 Ahuwhenua Trophy for excellence in Māori sheep and beef farming, while Coby Warmington took out the 2025 Young Māori Farmer Award at a packed
on
From Top (L-R): Young Māori Farmer Finalists – Coby Warmington, Puhirere Tau, Grace Watson; Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust with trophy; Coby Warmington with trophy
Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust.
ceremony
Friday 6th June in Palmerston North.
Photos courtesy of John Cowpland/ALPHAPIX
Roadshows and WMI Annual General Meeting
Pre-AGM Roadshows 2025
The Wairarapa Moana team looks forward to providing an update on the business and activities of the past year. Venue details will be provided soon.
Mark the dates in your calendar:
Auckland Saturday, September 27
Gisborne Saturday, October 4
Masterton Saturday, October 4
Hawke's Bay Sunday, September 28
Wellington Sunday, October 5
Christchurch Sunday, October 5
Shareholder emails
Do you still have an active email address? With Pre-AGM Roadshows in September and the AGM in October are we able to contact you by email?
The office has experienced a number of email bouncebacks resulting in the shareholder not receiving important information. The majority of the bouncebacks appear to be a result of an email mailbox being full or the email address being invalid.
If your email address has changed, or is no longer operating please contact Amethyst on: 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or at wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz so she can update your details on the Share Register.
Annual General Meeting 2025
The Wairarapa Moana ki Pouākani Incorporation Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 18th October 2025 in Mangakino. Further information will be provided closer to the meeting.
Nominations for Election to the Committee of Management
Nominations to the Committee of Management open Monday 18th August and close 12.00pm Friday 5th September 2025.
Sonya Rimene and Kingi Smiler are due to retire by rotation and are eligible for re-election.
Nominations must be in writing and signed by both the proposing shareholder and the candidate. The candidate must include a personal statement of no more than 400 words on why they are seeking election to the Committee of Management and their relevant skills and expertise and include a recent digital photo.
The Committee of Management are elected by registered shareholders and are responsible for approving the strategic direction for the incorporation and for monitoring performance against the strategy.
Voting papers and candidates’ personal statements will be posted to all shareholders with a current address on the share register.
The on-line and postal election process will be managed by electionz.com whose systems are independently audited and certified. This means there is complete confidence in the accuracy and integrity of the election process and the results.
Due to changes in postal deliveries in both New Zealand and Australia shareholders are likely to experience a delay in receiving their AGM packs and voting papers.
WMI encourages all shareholders and especially those living offshore to ensure their email address and mobile numbers are up to date on the share register so electionz.com can provide email and mobile notifications that will offer an added opportunity to cast your vote on-line, if you wish to use this option.
Dates to Remember
WAIRARAPA MOANA INCORPORATION
August 15 12.00pm
Notification of all resolutions for the Wairarapa Moana Incorporation Notice of Meeting close at 12.00pm.
All resolutions must be received by the WMI Secretary, Wairarapa Moana office, 4 Park Ave, Masterton or PO Box 2019, Kuripuni, Masterton 5842 or charmaine@wairarapamoana.org.nz.
Resolutions received after 12.00pm August 15 will not be considered.
August 18
September 5 12.00pm
Nominations open for the election to the Committee of Management.
Forms are available from the WMI Secretary, Masterton office.
Nominations close for the election to the Committee of Management. Late nominations will not be considered.
September 12 Notice of Meeting and the Annual Report will be posted to shareholders.
September 18
October 14 9.00am
October 16 10.00am
Voting papers and candidate profiles for election to the Committee of Management and AGM Resolutions will be posted to shareholders.
All proxy voting closes at 9.00am.
All postal & electronic (on-line) voting closes at 10.00am.
October 18 Annual General Meeting held at Mangakino.
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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Wairarapa Pā Wars 2025
This Easter brought a competitive spirit to Wairarapa uri, as ten different pā gathered for the much-anticipated Wairarapa Pā Wars. It was the first event of its kind in the rohe since the 1990s, marking a significant revival.
Hosted by Hurunui-o-Rangi Marae, the event sparked a flurry of excitement across marae Facebook pages, rallying whānau to action – and they certainly answered the call.
Participants engaged in a diverse lineup of events, including netball, volleyball, CrossFit, weightlifting, darts, touch rugby, golf, tug o’ war, and Kapa Haka Super 14s. Adding to the inclusivity of the event, Kaumātua Olympics and Mokopuna Olympics ensured that every generation had a chance to shine.
Each marae registered eager competitors, formed teams, and geared up with custom tee-shirts and branded apparel, fostering a strong sense of identity and pride.
Were there winners on the day? Absolutely – every competitor, supporter, and whānau member who came together for a weekend of fun, connection, and celebration. Many returned home to support their marae and reconnect with their tūrangawaewae, embodying whakawhanaungatanga in action.
Looking ahead, Ngāi Tumapuhia-a-Rangi is expected to host next year’s event, promising another incredible opportunity to celebrate whānau, competition, and culture.
Changes of Leadership at Whaiora
Wairarapa Moana proudly acknowledges the leadership and dedication of Teresea Olson and Triny Ruhe, whose unwavering commitment has guided the organisation through continuous change and development in a dynamic and sometimes challenging environment.
For two decades, Wairarapa Moana provided administrative support to the Board, a journey that began under the chairmanship of Kingi Smiler in the early 2000s. Throughout this time, Teresea has played a pivotal role in community health initiatives. With 35 years of experience founding, managing, and supporting health projects, Teresea remains deeply engaged with Kōkiri Marae Seaview – New Zealand’s first Kōkiri centre. During this time she has also served as Chair of the Whaiora Whanui Trust for over 20 years, succeeding Kingi in this leadership role.
Teresea’s contributions have been widely recognised. In 2018, she was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for Services to Māori and Health. In 2022, she was named Wellingtonian of the Year, earning both the Community Services category win and the Supreme Award for leading one of the country’s most successful Covid-19 vaccination programmes, ensuring protection for vulnerable communities in the Hutt Valley. In 2022 Hutt Valley and Capital Coast DHBs presented the Tu Rangatira Mo Te Ora Public Health Champion Award to Teresea in recognition of her exceptional public health service to Māori over the past 40 years.
Teresea continues to lead and support Whaiora kaupapa Māori models and whānau values within Wairarapa.
Shareholder
Search –Can you help?
We would like your help to trace descendants of JOE TIBBLE
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
Dale Coles has been welcomed as the new Chair of Whaiora.
Triny Ruhe began her employment at Whaiora in July 1999 and was appointed GM in July 2011.
Key milestones include: establishment and growth of Medical Centre; move to larger premises (from Park Street to Queen Street), lead Whanau Ora provider; stood up Iwi Covid response and clinic; expansion of staff from 22 to 72 during 2021, with staff numbers now at 53.
With the recent appointment of Jake Carlson as Kaihautū / GM at Whaiora, Triny will transition into a newly established role as Kaitātāki Ōhanga, concentrating on financial aspect of Whaiora and automating process.
The vision for Whaiora was first articulated in 1996 at a hui at Papawai Marae, Greytown, where Ngāti Moe hapū, led by Dr Janice Wenn and Kim Workman, proposed a ‘by Māori, for Māori’ community-based health service for the Wairarapa. Initially operating under the umbrella of the Ngāti Kahungunu Māori Executive, Taiwhenua (NKMET), Whaiora Whanui later became an autonomous entity, officially established as a Charitable Trust on 13 December 2000. In 2010, Whaiora Medical Centre was founded as the region’s only Very Low Cost Access (VLCA) medical centre.
We also take this opportunity to pay homage to the late Dr Janice Wenn, Aunty Mihi Namana, and Aunty Sally Tahana, our esteemed kuia, whose wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support have enriched Whaiora since its inception.
Teresea Olson QSM
Triny Ruhe
A Walk Down Memory Lane
HĀMUERA MAHUPUKU – Original Owner 133
According to his monument at Papawai, Hāmuera Tamahau Mahupuku was born on 25 September 1840. Other sources state that he was born in 1837, or in 1842. He was known to Europeans as Sam, and to Māori and in official records as Hāmuera or Tamahau.
He may have been born at Rangataua, near Longbush, in Wairarapa, or at Pāhaoa on the coast. His father, Mahupuku, was descended from Kahungunu and Tara; his principal hapū were Ngāti Kahukura-nui, Ngāti Moe and Ngāti Meroiti. His mother, Haumai-te-rangi, also known as Hoana, was of Ngāti Hikawera. Tamahau's elder brother was Wiremu (Wī) Hikawera Mahupuku. Usually called Hikawera, he was sometimes known as Wī Te Weu.
Little is known of Tamahau's childhood or education. It is likely that he was baptised by William Colenso or William Ronaldson of the Church Missionary Society. He may have been self-educated, but could have been a pupil at St Thomas's College at Papawai between 1860 and 1864. In the mid-1860s Tamahau was known as a rather wild young man who had worked for a time on Huangarua station. He was handsome, mixed much with Europeans, and for some years worked as a cattle drover. His brother was an ardent supporter of the Māori King movement, and, at least in the 1860s, Tamahau followed his lead.
Tamahau had three wives; the marriages were concurrent. His first wife, variously known as Wairata, Harete, Āreta or Alice, was said to be the very beautiful part-Māori daughter of Jack Pain, an old whaler. His third wife, known as Clara, may have been of Ngāpuhi. But Raukura, Tamahau's second wife, had the most influence on his future. Her first husband was Mātini Te Ore, and through this connection Tamahau gained influence at Papawai and was brought into contact with Te Mānihera Te Rangi-taka-i-waho, who later appointed him his heir in matters to do with the people.
This appointment was one foundation of Tamahau's leading position at the growing Māori centre at Papawai; the other was the Mahupuku wealth. As members of one of the two leading families of Ngāti Hikawera, Tamahau and Hikawera controlled a large part of the Ngā-waka-a-Kupe block and had interests in several more. They leased land profitably and Hikawera developed his own sheep station. He fought attempts by Ngātuere Tāwhirimātea Tāwhao and Te Mānihera to sell Ngā-waka-a-Kupe. In the Native Land Court in 1890, and again in 1892, the judges upheld Ngāti Hikawera's claim to the block against the claims of Ngātuere and Ngāti Kahukura-awhitia. Tamahau was heir to his brother's wealth as well as his prestige on Hikawera's death in 1891.
Tamahau had also worked as an assessor and agent in the Native Land Court. While claims to the Wairarapa lakes were being heard in 1882 and 1883 he acted for Hoani Te Toru. In introducing lists of potential owners Tamahau was working against Piripi Te Maari-o-te-rangi and Te Mānihera, who wanted the hearing dismissed. He and Paraone Pahoro managed to persuade Rāniera Te Iho-o-te-rangi and Piripi Te Maari of the benefits of registering the lake owners, who included Tamahau and Hikawera.
Two months after Te Mānihera's death in 1885, Tamahau was taking his place at important meetings, but shared the leadership at Papawai with Te Mānihera's half-brother, Hoani Te Rangi-taka-i-waho. He continued to develop the centre: a large house with an iron roof and stained glass
From Left: Hāmuera Mahupuku memorial at Papawai; Hāmuera Mahupuku with his wife Āreta.
windows was erected for visitors (and later replaced by the house, Hikurangi). Wooden houses were built with the proceeds of sales of totara from Mahupuku properties. A team of Ngāti Porou carvers worked at Papawai during the 1880s, preparing the carvings for the great house Hikawera had planned. Eventually Hikawera presented them to Tamahau who erected the house, Tākitimu, at Kehemane (Tablelands) early in the 1890s. Te Kooti attended its opening and predicted, perplexingly, that the wind would blow through it.
Perhaps Tamahau's affluence accounts for his enthusiastic acceptance of all things Pākehā, and his support of various governments' paternalistic plans for the Māori people. In 1891 he told the Native Land Laws Commission that he did not want Māori committees to be given the power to deal with Māori lands because he did not want the existing Wairarapa boundaries upset. He joined in the parliaments of the Kotahitanga movement from 1893, but refused to sign the deeds which set out the movement's aims; he was suspicious of a clause which vested control of Māori land in the Kotahitanga government. In any Kotahitanga bills he consistently opposed wording which demanded separate powers. Hēnare Tomoana once snarled that Tamahau had argued about the same phrase for ten days on end. Although he had still not signed the deeds, in 1895 he began to suggest that the parliament sit at Papawai.
Piripi Te Maari died on 26 August 1895. Within five months Tamahau had reached an agreement with the government for the sale of the Wairarapa lakes, which Piripi had always resisted. Tamahau requested continued Māori access to the lakes for fishing, and trusted the government to select suitable lands as compensation. (Cheap land in the King Country was eventually selected.) As a sign that all hostilities between the former Māori owners and the new settlers were at an end, he gave a grand picnic at Pigeon Bush. The politicians Richard Seddon and James Carroll and the settlers were welcomed with Tamahau's finest oratory. Seddon emphasised that the lakes had not been sold but presented to the government; the £2,000 handed over as part of the deal was intended to cover the litigation expenses of the former owners.
Tamahau, principally responsible for ending the deadlock over the lakes, was afterwards regarded as a personal friend of Seddon. In 1897 Seddon, Lord Ranfurly (the governor) and other European notables accepted his invitation to the opening of the Aotea–Te Waipounamu complex built at Papawai for the Kotahitanga parliament. This was a T-shaped, partly two-storeyed building, including a dormitory, a dining room and a meeting hall with a raised dais for speakers. On this occasion Tamahau offered to the government the superlative carved house, Tākitimu. He renewed his offer in 1898.
Tamahau was host to two sessions of the Kotahitanga parliament at Papawai in 1897, in April and October. During the sessions it was decided to inquire into the results of Te Keepa Te Rangihiwinui's petition to the Queen that the five million remaining acres of Māori land should be reserved absolutely for Māori. Tamahau led the group which subsequently approached Seddon in Wellington. Seddon told them that the Queen considered Māori welfare to be the colonial government's responsibility, and he was giving the matter his consideration. He suggested for the first time the setting up of Māori land boards.
Another 1897 project of Tamahau's was the publication of the Māori-language newspaper Te Puke ki Hikurangi, edited by Pūrākau Maika. At first very much a vehicle to report the activities of the Kotahitanga movement, it soon expanded to include religious articles, advice on domestic matters for women, reports of foreign and local non-Māori news, and correspondence on canoe traditions and genealogy. One series of articles, to which Apirana Ngata contributed, was on Māori depopulation, its causes and remedies. In the newspaper's pages Tamahau advertised for knowledgeable people to come to his hui to record Māori tradition and genealogy. This campaign led to the setting up of the Tānenui-a-rangi committee, responsible for the preservation of much traditional material. This work, and publication of the newspaper itself, continued after Tamahau's death. Te Puke ki Hikurangi was a major formative and educative influence on contemporary Māori.
Following his 1897 initiative, in 1898 Seddon drafted a bill 'to provide for the Settlement and Administration of Native Lands'. The bill created a furore among Māori, mainly because of its paternalistic aspects. Tamahau set up a grand meeting at Papawai in May and June 1898 to discuss it. The meeting revealed a deep rift between Kotahitanga members in their attitudes: many rejected the bill outright, but a group of pro-government chiefs including Tamahau drew up a series of amendments, ensuring a Māori majority on the proposed Māori land boards and making other changes for greater local Māori control of land and social affairs.
Many important Kotahitanga members rejected these amendments, since they had been adopted in defiance of the rules and regulations of the Kotahitanga parliament. In September Tamahau petitioned the government to adopt the bill with the Papawai amendments, but other petitions demanded that it be scrapped. When an inquiry was held by the Native Affairs Committee Tamahau expressed his faith and trust in the government, stating that Māori had never been disadvantaged by parliamentary legislation and that their grievances sprang from ignorance and improvidence.
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Any information you can share with us would be greatly appreciated. Call Amethyst on 06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or email wmoffice@wairarapamoana.org.nz ›› Continued from page 13
Although nominally a member of Te Kotahitanga, Tamahau did not share its aim of self-determination. He was a member of a committee working outside the legislature to support Seddon's 1900 Māori Lands Administration Act (which had eventually been passed as a result of the 1898 bill) and Māori Councils Act. These acts seemed in the early years of their administration to meet at least some Māori aspirations to local self-government and Māori-controlled reform. Their potential benefits were enthusiastically discussed in Te Puke ki Hikurangi, and the surviving leaders of Te Kotahitanga, beginning with Tamahau, praised for having achieved this result.
From 1894 to 1904 Tamahau was said to have spent more than £40,000 on various projects. These included his financial support of the Wairarapa Mounted Rifle Volunteers, a Māori company. In 1901 he offered to raise and finance a Māori force to fight in the South African war. The offer was refused by the British government, which had decided to use only white troops in the war.
At hui at Papawai and Kehemane, Tamahau was host to thousands. A brass band he supported played at these functions and accompanied him on his visits into town. One of his last projects was to erect a palisade to enclose the marae at Papawai. Tōtara logs were collected and after his death were carved into representations of important ancestors and erected facing into the marae, according to his wish, to symbolise peace. (Traditionally, carved figures faced outwards to threaten enemies.)
Tamahau died at Papawai on 14 January 1904. He left no children but had adopted Aketū Piripi, who died at the age of 17. An Anglican service was conducted in Māori, and the body was taken for burial at Kehemane, followed by a large crowd. His mourners included Seddon and Carroll. By contemporary Europeans Tamahau was regarded as one of the most 'progressive' of Māori. To the large Māori community at Papawai he was father and leader.
After his death the glory of Papawai as the rendezvous of two governments – of the colony and of Te Kotahitanga –faded. No one replaced him, and few could afford to finance the huge gatherings of the past. Many felt that the Māori councils, whose setting up he had supported, would make such leaders redundant. Aotea–Te Waipounamu blew down in a storm in 1934, and a marble monument to Tamahau's memory, unveiled at Papawai in 1911, was damaged by earthquake in 1942. The tōtara palisades gradually collapsed, and at Kehemane on 31 December 1911 Tākitimu burned to the ground. As Te Kooti had predicted at its opening, now only the wind blew through the site.
Source: Angela Ballara Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
Can you help?
ELEANOR PENE
The office is holding unclaimed dividends for Erena, and we are attempting to locate any descendants or rightful beneficiaries and would appreciate any information that may bring a successful result.
The office has gathered quite a lot of information regarding this owner but it requires the assistance of a descendant/s to confirm the information held about Eleanor:
Eleanor was also known as Linda Eleanor Pene.
Eleanor’s Parents are Mere Matewai Spooner, born Ruka (1911-1982) and Manunu Pehimoana Parata Pene (1902-1962). We believe Eleanor was born in 1957. The last known address we have on file for Eleanor was in California, America.
Eleanor’s siblings were Parata Pene, Rangi Pene, Tamati Pene and Marama Pene.
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Top Five Unclaimed
Wairarapa Moana is holding over $3 million in Unclaimed
Dividends.
We will be highlighting those shareholders in the Mailer, that are holding substantial dividends, with the aim of reducing the total unclaimed. The list of shareholders’ names whom we hold unclaimed dividends for is available on the Wairarapa Moana website at: www.wairarapamoana.org.nz > Share Registry > Missing Shareholders.
1RAHERA TE IRIHINAHINA
This owner is known by a number of other names: Rahira te Tuhinahina and Rahira Te Iuhinahina.
The name Rahera Te Irihinahina has been found on the Māori Land Court, Pataka Whenua site, but there are no shares attached to this name. We don’t know if Te Irihinahina is a maiden or a married name. Rahera received interests from Waho Tamihana (Original Owner 131), along with Retini Tamihana and Rakawhakairi (Rakaiwhakairi?) Tamihana. Could possibly have a familial relationship with the Tamihana whānau.
PUINGA JURY
2
The information we have in the office is that Puinga is a female and received her interests from Pororangi Jury, a female. Puinga was a sole beneficiary to the interests received from Pororangi. Pororangi had received her interests from Te Whatahoro, original owner 94. There are a number of persons named Puhinga Jury through the generations, so it is imperative that we correctly identify the owner reflected on the share register.
3
RUMATIKI KINGI
There is not a lot we know about this owner. Our records indicate that Rumatiki received interests from Takana Kingi and Wi Kingi Tutepakihirangi (Original Owner 137) along with Hamuera Tamahau Kingi; James Ross; and Taina Kingi (Renata).
RANGI KAKAPI THOMPSON
4
This owner is also known as Rangi Thompson. Rangi is known to have siblings: Tiemi; George; and Noble. Rangi has received interests from Rangihipaea or Te Paiaiterangi Piripi or Te Maari, and Hariata Tipapa Tamihana. We are unsure if Rangi has any children. We will welcome any information from the whānau.
Your help in locating descendants, next of kin, or providing any information to the office would be much appreciated.
5
IRAIPA HEHE
This owner is known by a number of different spellings to his name: Iraipa; Iriapa; and Irihapa Hehe; also known as Hehe Whakaka or Whakakaha.
May also be known as Tahi Iriapa Whakaka. Known to have a half-sister, Margaret Makere Kiriti Gillies. Iraipa and Makere share the same mother, Ruiha Tekahuitipua Te Karepe Ihakara. Ruiha had two husbands: Alexander Gillies and Hehe Whakaka. The office is holding additional information regarding this owner.
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.
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
SHANE FITZGERALD
TE PAKIAKA WIREMU RAUTU
CHRISTOPHER RICHARD PARKINSON
TE WAIRAITI WHANAU TRUST
TUMOREHU REIHANA
GAYLE LORRAINE JOHNSON
HILDA FITZGERALD
DONALD HOHEPA SAMUEL VOSS
BERT PURA
RANGI NGAWIKI
NGARETA WALKER
KUINI REWI
GEORGE TE AWA
NGAMAMAE AROHA PIWARI
WI TAWHAI KURA TE KANI
PAUL TANE-TE-WAI ASHTON
SUSAN HINE-TE-WAI ASHTON
LEWIS JOSEPH JOHN ASHTON
PETER HEMI
DAVID IAN BIRD
PETER HIMONA
DULY KINGI
DAVID CHESLEY
WILLIAM ISAAC EDWARD WATSON
SNOWY RIMENE
MARION MCNEILLY
GABRIELLE HIMONA
ALASTAIR MOUTERE LOVE
KARAITIANA KUAO MCDONALD ESTATE
STEPHEN RANGI TE WHARAU
TUTUKI DIXON
NGAMIRIA ELENORA HAMUERA
PETER WILLIAM PIWARI
RONALD HAMUERA
VALENCIA IRIRANGI PIWARI
RAEWYN HIMONA
MANUERA RIWAI
MICHAEL THOMPSON
CHRISTOPHER ALLAN PAEWAI
MEGAN JUANITA GALLAGHER
TONI-MARIE RANDELL
RICHARD STEWART
ROBERT FRANKLIN KARAITIANA
GREGORY MITA
AKUIRA PETER RUA SMITH
JAMES HEMI WHANAU TRUST
ROBERT RIWAI
RUREA JOAN RIZVI
ROBERT TE MIHA
TANIA MARIE CHAPMAN
TE ARIKI DOUGLAS HEMI
Do you have a story, a news item, or a pānui you’d like to share in the Moana Mailer? Contact Sam Prescott by emailing comms@wairarapamoana.org.nz or phone the Masterton office 0800 662 624.
79 Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Friday, September 12, 2025
If you have any queries please contact Ngaere Webb, Amethyst Tauese, Cheryl Wilmshurst, Isabel Bresaz or Charmaine Kawana at the Masterton office.
Office Hours: 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday, closed Friday.
06 370 2608