Wairarapa Moana part of Landmark Watercase
Wairarapa Moana got a special mention in a landmark case heard in the High Court on 3 – 4 November. Our moana is used as an example of how the Crown has not upheld its commitment to Māori to address the decline of our waterways.
Wairarapa Moana has been hovering around eutrophic and supertrophic since the late 1990s. This means our moana is dying.
As we all know, this level of degradation affects the mauri of water, undermines our responsibilities as kaitiaki, and our relationship with our waterbodies and our cultural identity.
Who are Wai Manawa Whenua and what is the case about?
The Wai Manawa Whenua coalition — represents Maori landowners, hapū and iwi collectives, and national organisations including the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA).
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December 2025
Wai Manawa Whenua | High Court Hearing
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Wai Manawa Whenua is made up of 100 groups, Māori Trusts, and Incorporations, hapū and Iwi. There are 150,000 Māori landowners represented in this claim. They all came together in June this year as an act of kotahitanga, to hold the Crown accountable for failing to honour litigation assurances made to the Supreme Court1, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and failing to uphold Māori rights and responsibilities over freshwater and geothermal resources.
“This case is not about owning all water. It is about recognising Māori authority where we have ancestral ties and responsibilities to keep water healthy and about ensuring the rights that Māori have are respected and protected in decisions about the use and protection of these waters,” says Kingi Smiler, Chairman of Wairarapa Moana Incorporation (WMI) and the Wai Manawa Whenua Collective.
1In 2013 the New Zealand Māori Council led a case to halt the sale of 49% of the Crown’s shares in Mighty River Power, Meridian Energy, Genesis Energy. This is known as the MOM Case (Mixed Ownership Model Case). The Supreme Court in allowing the sale to proceed relied on assurances by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Bill English, that the Crown would address Māori rights and interests in freshwater.
Shareholder Search –Can you help?
We would like your help to trace descendants of ISABEL PAURINI
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
The case calls for urgent action to protect and restore our waterways, recognise Māori tikanga and proprietary rights, and establish a fair, enduring water allocation system for all.
Outcomes Sought:
Timely and effective Crown action to halt further decline in the health and wellbeing of water bodies.
Safeguards to enable and ensure the recognition of Māori tikanga and proprietary rights in water and geothermal resources.
A fair and durable water allocation system that enables Māori to fulfil their role as kaitiaki.
Joining the coalition in these legal proceedings are the New Zealand Māori Council (NZMC), Tainui, Pou Taiao (Iwi Leaders Group) and Ngāi Tahu.
Why is Wairarapa Moana Incorporation part of this case?
“It made total sense for Wairarapa Moana Incorporation to join with other Māori landowners, hapū and Iwi to hold the Crown to account,” says Kingi Smiler Chairman of WMI
“We take our responsibilities as kaitiaki of our whenua and waterways seriously, WMI are leaders in environmental and sustainable farming and land use practices. With the support of our shareholders and whānau we strive to be a successful and intergenerational Māori business.”
The Wai Manawa Whenua Legal and Executive Team
A key value for WMI is kotahitanga, and we are committed to supporting other Ahuwhenua Trusts and Incorporations in their journey of protection and development of their whenua. For many, access to water will be important to them realising the aspirations of their whānau. The current system of water allocation, “first in first served” has locked out many Māori landowners over many decades.
We are also committed to supporting our whānaunga, Pouākani hapū, in their claim to the Waikato Riverbed and water flowing across it, within their rohe. This case is currently awaiting a decision by the Court of Appeal.
Kingi Smiler, Chair of WMI, was asked by Wai Manawa Whenua members to Chair the collective. Anne Carter, WMI Committee of Management member, is also involved in supporting logistical arrangements for the collective and evidence for the case. Anaru Smiler, Group General Manager, WMI, has also provided evidence to support the case.
All parties have now been heard by the High Court, and we await the decision of the Judge.
To read the Wairarapa Moana Case study go to www.foma.org.nz
Extract from FOMA FaceBook:-
Tēnā koutou,
We extend our sincere thanks to all those who contributed to the Wai Manawa Whenua – High Court Hearing held this past week. From our legal and governance teams to the many whānau, hapū, iwi, and supporters across Aotearoa who stood with us throughout the proceedings – we acknowledge you all.
• We now await a favorable High Court judgment and remain committed to keeping you informed on updates as they unfold.
• To stay informed about the Court’s decision and future updates – follow the latest news at foma.org.nz & FOMA Social Media channels.
Ngā mihi nui,
The Wai Manawa Whenua Team #waimanawawhenua #temanaotewai
Te Matiki mai o Wairarapa The Rise of Wairarapa
Toi Māori: Kawana Rongonui
He Rangitāne, he Ngāti Kahungunu ahau.
He mokopuna tēnei nō Wairarapa. Ko te whakatinanatanga o te mana motuhake, te rangatiratanga me taku whānau ngā mea e mau nei ki te ngākau. Ko taku wawata nui ko te ārahi, ko te poipoi i te whakatipuranga o ngā uri whakaheke o te kainga nei kia tū tangata ai rātou, kia ū hoki ki te reo, ki ngā tikanga, me te mātauranga Māori.
He kaikaha tēnei o Te Rangiura o Wairarapa. Kua whai wāhi au ki ngā whakataetae a rōhe o Kahungunu me te Matatini. Ko taua tū he whakawhētai i te ihi, te wehi, me te wana o tō mātou kāinga ki mua i te ao whānui.
I Te Wharekura o Wairarapa, i whakawhiwhia au i te tohu Rangatira o Kuki Rimene, e rua ngā wā. He tohu whakahirahira tēnei e whakaatu ana i ngā āhuatanga o te Rangatiratanga.
Ka whakatīnana tēnei rironga i te ngākau māhaki, te whakaute me te māia ki te ārahi. Nā te rironga o tēnei tohu ka whakahihiko i ahau kia ū tonu ki te huarahi o te āwhina, o te hāpai, o te manaaki. Ko ēnei tūāhuatanga e hiahia nei au ki te kawe ki roto i te akomanga, hei pouwhakaako.
I te tīmatanga mai o te tau nei ka whai mahi au ki Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Wairarapa, ahakoa he tūnga tūao, he maha te wheako i roto i te tūnga nei. Nā reira i kitea au te nui o te haepapa, me te aroha nui e hiahia nei ēnei tamariki kia eke rātou ki te taumata e hiahia nei. Nā Te Aho Matua au i ako, i whakatipu hei raukura kia whai whakaaro ki te oranga o ngā tamariki, ā, kia whakakaha i taku hiahia ki te ako tonu, ki te tū hei kaiako i runga i ngā tūāpapa o ngā kura kaupapa me ngā kaupapa Māori.
Ko Kawana Rongonui tēnei e mihi nei.
Kawana Rongonui is a current Wairarapa Moana Scholarship recipient. ‘Te Matiki mai o Wairarapa’ can be viewed at Wairarapa Moana House, Masterton.
Kawana created this art-piece to acknowledge some important people within our history and our hāpori. The people that impacted this region through flourishing in their skills and capabilities in making the rise of Wairarapa.
Rerewhakaaitu and Hinewaka
There was a young Rangitāne woman, Hinewaka, known for her wisdom and strength. And there was a rangatira of Ngāti Kahungunu, Rerewhakaaitu, whose words carried mana and whose deeds carried weight. Their meeting was not by accident. Elders from both iwi, seeking peace, encouraged the union. But what began as strategy became aroha. Hinewaka and Rerewhakaaitu fell in love, not just with each other, but with the vision of unity they could build together.
Kawana included these tīpuna into this art-piece as he believes their marriage was more than a joining of two people, it was a binding of whakapapa. Through their children flowed the blood of Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu, and with them came a future that belonged to Wairarapa.
Haunuiananaia and His Legacy in Wairarapa
One of Haunuiananaia's most enduring impacts is seen in the naming of mountains, rivers and places, which still carry his legacy today. These names are more than geographic markers, they are taonga, preserving history, navigation, and identity for generations to come. Haunuiananaia's exploration laid the foundation for later migrations of iwi into Wairarapa. His journey symbolised whakapapa, leadership, and connection to whenua, influencing settlement patterns and tribal relationships.
Kawana included Haunuiananaia into this art-piece as his legacy reinforces the importance of place names to mana whenua, anchoring the iwi of Wairarapa to their rich heritage.
Whare Tapawhā
The diamond shape in this art-piece symbolises the four dimensions within a human that we call in te ao Māori, te whare tapawhā. The four dimensions within the whare tapawhā represent te taha tinana (physical wellbeing), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing), taha whānau (family and social wellbeing) and te taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing).
Kawana included this to symbolise the importance of having a healthy whare tapawhā. As challenging as this piece was to create, Kawana knew having to control and discipline the mind would help to complete this project, but to also strengthen his own whare tapawhā.
This project was inspired by Wairarapa’s very own kaiwhakairo Tākirirangi Smith. The style that Kawana has gone with is a wheku / poupou design. As you can see our three poupou have been designed in a wood carving style. Kawana included this style to acknowledge our rangatira Tākirirangi as Kawana believes Tākirirangi has set the standard for our toi Māori within Wairarapa.
Mātauranga 2026
Ngā Kete o Te Wānanga
Future Leaders Tertiary Scholarships are targeted at students undertaking study in postgraduate, undergraduate and diploma programmes.
Ngā Mahi Ā-Rehe
Trade Training & Apprenticeship Scholarships are provided to those studying and working towards a trade or an apprenticeship.
Poutama
Grants are provided to allow whānau to undertake a course of training that will assist them to take the next step in their career. This could include either further training or employment opportunities, such as a bridging course or similar.
Te Kete Uruuru Tau
Two special scholarships are available to various fields within agri-business.
Educational inquiries are welcome. Application forms will be available in the New Year. To register your interest to receive an application for study in 2026, call the Masterton office. Scholarships are available to descendants of an original Wairarapa Moana owner. Criteria is applied to all funding.
l p
l e
06 370 2608 or 0800 662 624 or email trust@wairarapamoana.org.nz
Scholarship Partnership between Wairarapa Moana and Victoria University
Several years ago, Wairarapa Moana embarked on an exciting partnership with Victoria University to support our whānau attending this university to advance their education and grow their careers.
Scholarship recipients continue to receive matched funding from Victoria University should they choose to advance their studies at this major institution.
Recipients who have received grants under the partnership continue to express their gratitude and appreciation for the extra support this funding provides them on their journey.
WMI AGM Highlights 2025
The coming together of whānau for the AGM commenced with a pōwhiri on Friday at Pouākani Marae. Our sincere thanks to all who prepared for the occasion and supported those who had travelled some distance to attend.
It was an early start for shareholders and whānau on Saturday with buses leaving at 7:30am from both Mangakino School and Pouākani Marae to visit the farms.
The WMI farm visits are always well attended and we were privileged and excited that Cedric Nepia, kaitiaki of the Ahuwhenua Trophies, was available to bring the three trophies to be viewed on farm and at the AGM meeting. Whānau were invited to gather for a group and individual photos with the Dairy, the Sheep and Beef and the Horticulture Ahuwhenua Trophies. Following the farm visit buses returned to the marae for lunch provided by Brownies Spitfire.
The Wairarapa Moana Incorporation annual general meeting commenced at 1pm with karakia, and mihi by Mihaere Kirby.
Anne Carter delivered a continuation of the business update, initiated during the shareholders’ on-farm visit earlier in the day. A comprehensive summary of the Miraka sale was delivered. Shareholders were then given the opportunity to provide feedback and submit questions which were addressed.
The result of the 2025 election to the Committee of Management was announced: Kingi Smiler and Sonya Rimene were re-elected unopposed to the Committee of Management for a three-year term.
General Manager of Finance, Colin Leonard, presented the Incorporation accounts for the year ended 31 May 2025, noting a record performance despite drought-related challenges that increased feed and input costs.
The Auditor and Share Valuer were re-appointed for another year; and the minutes of the 2024 annual general meeting were approved.
Sonya Rimene presented the Education, Social and Cultural update highlighting education grants; marae grants; and investing in our community through cultural grants and sponsorship.
Pou Tīkanga, Mihaere Kirby, introduced Te Ara ki Te Pūtahi-nui-o-Rehua, the Board-adopted cultural framework that embeds Wairarapa Moana’s values and strategic direction. An introduction to the whakapapa connections to the whenua at Mangakino was provided followed by our whakapapa affiliations descending from Maui.
Also included in the presentation were an overview of the Pae Ora strategies and the Wairarapa Moana Whakapapa Register project.
Anne Carter presented a summary of Wai 85 activities, reaffirming WMI’s ongoing pursuit of justice for the Pouākani lands taken for the Maraetai dam.
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Wairarapa Moana has joined the Pouākani Claims Trust as an interested party, supporting efforts to reclaim parts of the Waikato riverbed and its overlying waters within its rohe. Kingi Smiler has agreed to be the interim Chair of the Pouākani Claims Trust.
This year WMI has filed legal proceedings in the High Court in relation to fresh water. The Wai Manawa Whenua collective consists of 31 applicants representing over 100 groups of Māori land owners; hapū; iwi; PSGEs; Tainui; Iwi Leaders forum; Ngāi Tahu; and the New Zealand Māori Council.
The Wairarapa Moana Trust’s Financial Statements, presented by Colin Leonard, were approved.
It was confirmed that the 2026 AGM will be held on October 17th at Greytown. There being no General Business, the meeting concluded at 3.00pm.
Pre-AGM Roadshows 2025
As a result of postal, online and AGM voting the following Resolutions were APPROVED
• The annual financial statements.
• The proposed dividend of $2,000,000. The dividend will be distributed to shareholders in early December.
• The proposed educational, social and cultural grant of $200,000, to the Wairarapa Moana Charitable Trust.
• The proposed increase of fees to the Committee of Management.
The WMI draft AGM Minutes will be distributed with the 2026 March Mailer.
Our regional roadshows this year were held in Auckland, Wellington, Gisborne, Napier, Masterton, and Christchurch.
It’s a great opportunity to meet up with whānau and a chance to hear updates on our business and to discuss matters in preparation for the annual general meeting.
Actual attendance in all regions was down from numbers registered. The office is appreciative of whānau who provide notice of any late changes in their availability to attend.
Thank you to all who support the pre-AGM roadshows. We value your questions and feedback.
From Left: Amoria Procter with Ian Procter at Gisborne; Mihaere Kirby introduces the Cultural Framework
Farm update
Shareholders walk the whenua, plant trees, visit top asset at 2025 AGM
As always, the Wairarapa Moana 2025 AGM was a moment for shareholders, whānau, and staff to come together and see first-hand the work being done across the Incorporation’s farms. Walking the whenua, being able to plant a tree or two with the moko and hearing about how WMI farms go from strength to strength is always a highlight.
The day showcased farms in excellent shape, reflecting strong performance across WMI’s core whakamaru whenua ethos of balancing tangata (people), te taiao (planet) and as always taurikura (prosperity), as the farms represent the core of WMI’s economic engine for whānau returns. Despite the challenges of the past year, including a significant drought, the team’s effort in planning, and day-to-day focus on executing that plan have paid off. Animals are thriving, production targets have been met, and we continue to deliver strong results on farm.
We are continuing our rollout of the successful High-Care High-Efficiency systems on Farms 1 and 11, governed by our Mauri Compass. The expansion of this approach will help
WMI strengthen its sustainable farming system, balancing economic performance with nurturing our environment and whenua well into the future.
As the calendar year draws to a close, the Board and farm teams are looking forward to coming together again at the annual Christmas event. A successful series of presentations and chances for connection and conversation at the AGM means we are ending the year on a real high.
Focus on reproduction and tech
Improving reproduction performance remains a top priority, and the team has been working intensively throughout the mating season this year. Careful planning, attention to detail, and consistent monitoring have defined this effort.
On Farm 3, new cow collars and drafting systems are being trialled, while the remaining eleven dairy units continue to operate under traditional methods. As always, we are taking a pragmatic approach to innovation, while being extremely open to what new tech might be able to do for us. Early results from the collars have been promising, providing realtime data that supports precise management decisions and herd performance improvements. We were able to offer a seamless demonstration of cow drafting to our AGM shareholders and whānau, too, which shows how our new systems separate cows that may be ready for mating from the rest of the herd. This system also shows us if animals are in need of any welfare or health attention.
As we start planning for the new season, these innovations and the team’s commitment to continuous improvement are setting the stage for further growth, resilience, and success.
Thanks to all our whānau who came out to the farms to see the operation up close. Ngā mihi.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
TE RETIMANA TE KOROU
Te Korou was born in the later eighteenth century. Through his father, Te Raku, he was a descendant of Rangitāne, from Hauiti, the younger sibling of Hamua, ancestor of his principal hapū.
His mother was Te Kai, and through her he was descended from Te Awariki, the youngest of the three brothers descended from Rangitāne. He was, by 1840, married to Hinewhakaaea. She was descended from Te Hina-ariki, ancestor of Ngāti Te Hina, and was connected with Wairarapa Ngāi Tahu. Te Korou and his family were also connected with Ngāti Wheke, Te Matehau, Ngāti Te Hauaitū, Ngāti Te Tohinga,
Ngāti Te Umu and Ngāti Te Aomatauru. Through extensive intermarriage the family was related to Ngāti Kahungunu, but their chief kinship was with Rangitāne.
Te Korou and his family were among those who about 1834 were forced to flee from Wairarapa to Nukutaurua on the Māhia peninsula by invading northern tribes. Te Korou was captured by Te Āti Awa, but he escaped near Ōrongorongo after tricking one of his captors, Te Wera of Ngāti Mutunga. When no one else was near, Te Korou offered to rearrange Te Wera's load, seized his long-handled tomahawk, gashed Te Wera's hands which he had put up to protect himself, killed him, and escaped into the bush. When peace was arranged between the Wairarapa people and the invaders, Te Korou was among the negotiators. Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne and other tribes returned from the north from 1841 on, and Te Korou, already past middle age, reestablished his position as one of the principal leaders in Northern Wairarapa. His interests and influence extended from present day Masterton to Eketāhuna, and from the Tararua range eastwards to the coast.
In the 1840s Te Korou and his family were drawn towards Christianity. When he was forced to go north, he had had
Gottfried Lindauer (1883-1926), Retimana Te Korou,1881, oil on canvas
three children: a daughter, Erihāpeti (Elizabeth); a son, Te Tua-o-te-rangi (or Te Turuki, later known by his baptismal name, Karaitiana or Christian); and a third, probably another son. When the missionary William Colenso visited Te Korou at Kaikōkirikiri, near present day Masterton, he found Erihāpeti about to be married to Īhāia Whakamairu. Since 1845 the community at Kaikōkirikiri had been under the influence of a Christian teacher, Campbell Hāwea, and in 1848 Colenso was happy to baptise all four Te Korou generations: Te Korou himself, who took the name Te Retimana (Richmond); his aged mother Te Kai, who took the name Roihi (Lois); his wife Hinewhakaaewa, who became Hoana (Joan/Joanna); his daughter, Erihāpeti, and her husband, Īhāia Whakamairu; his four sons (two of them still boys); and two grandsons. Colenso noted that Karaitiana was a 'fine youth' and a fluent reader of the Bible in Māori.
Colenso recorded that Te Korou was determined to preserve his lands for his children, and to prevent his family from being demoralised by contact with Pākehā. But he was unable to live up to this hope. Already, in 1844, he had tried to lease land in the Whareama valley to the runholders Charles Clifford, Frederick Weld and William Vavasour,
and had been annoyed when they decided to seek drier pasturage further north. In 1848 Te Korou was among those who discussed with Francis Dillon Bell, the New Zealand Company agent, the possible sale of Wairarapa land for the proposed 'Canterbury settlement', later sited in the South Island. Te Korou took part in other transactions; his willingness to do so probably arose from the fact that others were leasing lands in which he had an interest, without consulting him. There was argument in Kaikōkirikiri over the leasing of the Manaia block to W. B. Rhodes and W. H. Donald. Later Te Korou proved to be one of the most co-operative in land negotiations with Henry Tacy Kemp.
From the 1860s Karaitiana appears to have taken over from his father; at the 1860 Kohimarama conference he represented Kaikōkirikiri. From the beginning of Native Land Court sittings in Wairarapa in 1866, Karaitiana and Erihāpeti represented the interests of the family. Te Korou did not appear often; in 1868 he was described as 'an old man of Ngāti Wheke'. Both father and son are described in government documents as supporters of the King movement in 1862. But they, with other Wairarapa leaders, were adherents more because of dissatisfaction over land sales and payments than because of any special attachment to the King.
Te Retimana Te Korou was said to be over 100 when he died at Manaia in early January 1882. Īhāia Whakamairu invited all his European friends to take part in the mourning. Several leading settlers joined in a procession of 300 people to the Masterton cemetery.
If you would like to learn more about Te Retimana, there are some excellent sources that provide rich biographical details and insights into his life and legacy:
• https://teara.govt.nz/mi/ biographies/1t46/te-korou-te-retimana
• https://www.steveelers.com › retimanate-korou
Sources: Angela Ballara and Mita Carter, Dictionary of New Zealand
Photo Credit: Collection of Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History: purchased with funds from Wairarapa Arts Foundation, Masterton Trust Lands Trust, Masterton Licencing Trust, QE II Arts Council and public donation.
Reproduced with the permission of Ngāti Te Korou.
Where are you?
The office is seeking the whereabouts of these shareholders, descendants, or trustees.
Cameron Shane Katene
Patricia Ruiha Ngapine Tunga
Wayne Rapaera Kohunui
Bronia Marie Margaret Paewai
Graham Gerard Renata
Harata Mau Wirihana
Eric Graham Douglas
Tania Ramari Morehu Eliza Burke
Peti Elizabeth Helen Richards
Lavinia Jasmyn Easterby
Shona Felicity Faulknor
Christina Kararaina Pukeroa Ashford
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
Shareholder emails
Do you still have an active email address? 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.
Pitopito Kōrero
Kendall Flutey – Chief Operating Officer –Ngāi Tahu
Wairarapa Moana descendant, Kendall Flutey, (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne) has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu in 2025. In this role, Kendall is responsible for leading a range of teams which provide whānau-facing services and shared services that support a variety of kaupapa across Te Rūnanga group.
Kendall is the co-founder of the financial literacy platform Banqer which has received widespread acclaim both nationally and globally. Kendall’s mahi has been driven by her passion for improving social wellbeing outcomes for whānau and addressing inequities through providing rangatahi with the tools to enable better outcomes not only for themselves, but for their wider communities.
Our congratulations go out to Kendall.
Joe Hanita – Chief Executive Officer –Wakatū Incorporation
Our congratulations also go out to Wairarapa Moana descendant, Joe Hanita, who was appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer, Wakatū Incorporation, in February 2025. Joe joined Wakatū Incorporation in 2022 as Chief Financial Officer / GM Corporate Services. Before his tenure at Wakatū, Joe served as the CFO at Parininihi ki Waitotara Incorporation.
Born in Masterton Joe is of Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Te Ātiawa, Rangitāne, and Ngāti Kahungunu descent.
Cape Palliser Paper Road Bylaw to allow pedestrian and cycling access
A bylaw of two years duration, which will ban vehicles accessing a scenic stretch of south Wairarapa coastline, was adopted on October 8 by the district council. As part of the bylaw, which would come into effect on December 1, pedestrians and cyclists would still be allowed access to the unformed legal road in the Cape Palliser area. This differed from the initial proposal which aimed to ban all access for three years.
The unformed legal road, which gives public access to a stretch of south Wairarapa coastline, traverses both privately-owned Māori land and Crown land managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). It had historically been used by the public for access to remote coastal areas, including surf breaks and parts of Aorangi Forest Park, but the area had suffered extensive environmental damage due to the misuse of the road to access private land by four-wheel drives, quad bikes, and illegal campers.
Kiwis Callup
Wairarapa Moana descendant, Te Maire Martin, was recently selected for the Kiwis, in rugby league’s Pacific Cup – nine years after his test debut and seven years since his fourth cap. Martin made his test debut in 2016 against Scotland as a 21-year-old Penrith Panther. He played two games at standoff in the 2017 World Cup and made his last test appearance in Denver in 2018 in a loss to England at Mile High Stadium. Martin was delighted to get a chance to resurrect his Kiwis career. Interesting to note, the Selector for the Kiwis, Stacey Jones, is another Wairarapa Moana descendant.
View from the top of Cape Palliser Lighthouse
WAIR ARAPA MOANA MERCHANDISE
HENARE HARE
The office is holding unclaimed dividends for Henare, aka Henare Rangitakaiwaho Hare, 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 Henare:
Henare had a son, Gerald E R Rangi. Gerald passed away March 2nd , 2015.
Henare’s son, Gerald, had a wife Elizabeth Sinclair Rangi (Betty) who passed away October 13th, 2021. Elizabeth (Betty) had been residing at Jack Inglis Friendship Hospital for 8 years prior to her passing.
Gerald and Elizabeth had the following children: Elaine, Robert, Christine and Helen (grandchildren of Henare Hare). Can you help?
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
The office has the following merchandise available for purchase. To order, contact Isabel at info@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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CAPS and BEANIES
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Back Row – The four grandchildren of Henare Hare
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 whānau 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
Nga mihi o te kirihimete me te tau hou
The Masterton office will close 3.00pm Thursday 18 December and re-open Monday 12 January 2026
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Substantial 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.
EMILY LAURA OWEN
1
Emily, nee Fitzgerald, was born 16 March 1932 and died on 6 August 1994 and is at rest at (Avenue) Levin Cemetery, with her husband Hugh Edmond Owen.
Emily’s mother was Rora Hihiko Matai (19101970) aka Rora Hihiko Fitzgerald and Rora Hihiko, who married Robert Kiki Harden (1892-1965).
Our records indicate that Emily received interests from her mother along with Rangiharuru Fitzgerald; Ratamaru Fitzgerald; Wiki Kiki Harden; Charles Hetapere Harden; and Lloyd George Harden.
We believe that Emily has nine children.
LESLEY RAE ANDREWS
2
Our records indicate that Lesley received her interests, along with her siblings, through their mother, June Fay Andrews (Anaru), originally held by Pahira Anaru.
Siblings of Lesley are: Burnette Memory Ryan, Kerylee Jan Anaru, and Julia Elizabeth Robertson, believed to all be deceased.
It is not known if Lesley has any children.
Your help in locating descendants, next of kin, or providing any information to the office would be much appreciated.
3
HENARE HARE
Henry Rangi aka Henare Rangitakaiwaho, was the grandson of Hoani Rangitakaiwaho of Ngati Moe at Papawai. Henry’s parents were Haare Rangitakaiwaho and Mary Iorns (Mere Elers). Henare died on 24 February 1980, at the age of 77, and was buried in Tasman, New Zealand. Henare had a son, Gerald E R Rangi. Gerald passed away March 2, 2015. Gerald’s wife, Elizabeth Sinclair Rangi (Betty), passed away October 13th, 2021. Gerald and Elizabeth had the following children: Elaine, Robert, Christine and Helen who are the grandchildren of Henare Hare.
TAURIPO KINGI
4
Our records confirm that Tauripo, aka Jane Kingi, received her interests from her husband, Duncan Raihania Kingi, for life or until re-marriage. We are aware that Mrs Kingi passed away on 26 July 2015. Duncan and Tauripo had the following children: Anthony (Tony); Neena; and Julia.
TE KIRI PATITO HERANGI
5
Te Kiri Patito Herangi, was also known as Pat Herangi. Te Kiri Patito’s parents were Mahia Herangi and Hinewai Te Miha. Our records indicate that interests were received from Hinewai Te Miha and Huria Heta aka Huria Heta Te Miha.
Siblings of Te Kiri Patito are: Henare Herangi; Te Araitanga Dugan; Kaihau Karaitiana; Lorraine August; and Hinewai Herangi II. It is thought that Te Kiri Patito may have three whangai children but we are unable to substantiate that.
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
HOANI TAMATI NICHOLAS POUTAMA
PAMELA AROHAINA WEBBER
SIMON JAMES HADFIELD
IHAIA BROUGHTON
ELLIOT TATANA
MARINGA OPAL DARLENE REIRI
HETEKIA NEPE
RANGARANGA MATENGA
DONALD GAVIN TE WHAITI
ROSALIND MCINTOSH
SHONA LOUISE TAURI
ROSE PAMELA HESKETH
TE MATE-RURUA-TI ROTO O WAIAPU TUHAKA
CHRISTINE RUTH LUMSDEN
MARGARET ROSE NEPE APATU
KATHERINE MARTIN
DONALD TANATIU POUTU
MARTIN WILLIAM TAURU
CAROL ELSIE ISOBEL HAZELTON
YOLANDE THERESA SCHARRE
ADRIAN BRYCE HANITA PAKI
TAMA SHANE KARL PAKI
DEANNA MERE HANITA PAKI
TYRONE GORDON HANITA PAKI
TRACEY ANN HANITA PAKI
HOANI KUITI
MOANALEE CASSIDY
ROBERT JOHN MATENGA
STEPHEN WINIATA MATENGA
TUAKAU HANITA
HINUREWA OTENE HUTANA ESTATE
WILLIAM KIRIONA HEMI
ANN MARIE CHAPMAN
GABRIELLE HURIA GILLIES
REX JAMES TAPLIN
DARRYL BEVAN WIRINGI
MURRAY PAUL WIRINGI
LILLIAN KAY KARAITIANA
THOMAS GRAY
APERAHAMA TE AIKA KIPA
ERUERA PAHI KIPA ESTATE
THOMAS HEMI
KIM ARAHIA RANGIIHU
THERESA RURI
RIKI CAMERON HILTON
ROBERT WAYNE PARATA
MERI TUHI
CHERYL LOONER
JOY RAMONA GRIMWOOD
ISABELLE HEMI
Do you have a story, a news item, or a pānui you’d like to share in the Moana Mailer? Contact Sam Prescott on comms@wairarapamoana.org.nz or call 0800 662 624.
ISSUE CLOSING DATE FOR ARTICLES DISTRIBUTION BY POST
81 Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Thursday, March 19, 2026
If you have any queries please contact the Masterton office.
Office Hours: 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday, closed Friday.
Freepost 158415
5842
Phone: 06 370 2608 Email: info@wairarapamoana.org.nz
Freephone: 0800 662 624