Tuhourangi Tribal Authority Trustee Election Nominees
Ānei rā, here are the nominees who have put themselves forward for the upcoming Tuhourangi Tribal Authority Trustee Elections.
Kataraina HAMIORA-REWETI
Kataraina (Tūhourangi, Ngāti Wāhiao) mokopuna nō te whānau Hamiora is an extremely passionate hapū member. Currently with the Ministry of Justice specialising in Māori Strategy and Strategic Relationships she focuses on building Māori Crown relations that enables innovative approaches to the design and delivery of Justice in our District Courts.
Recently, she led Iwi engagement for the Ministry of Health enabling access for Iwi and Māori organisations across the Country to Māori Covid vaccination Data.
Currently an active member of Te Kapa Haka o Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao. She finds fulfilment in kaupapa that are beneficial to the growth and development of Tūhourangi such as Tikanga and Te Reo Wānanga, and our bi-annual Tūhourangi Ahurei.
She invites the opportunity to serve and contribute to the development of TTA through kaupapa that foster and nurture our culture, our hapū and our history while providing a Rangatahi voice and focus to further maintain the mana of Tūhourangi Tribal Authority into the future.
Āku whakamiha,
Kataraina
Tamihana HAMIORA-REWETI
Tēnā tātau, ko Tamihana Hamiora-Reweti tōku ingoa (Tūhourangi Ngāti Wahiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Ranginui) I’m the Mokopuna of Te Waru & Maata Hamiora.
I have a back ground in Whenua Maori with time at the Maori Land Court and currently with my Mahi at Te Tumu Paeroa (The Office of the Maori Trustee) administering around 100 Ahu whenua trust within the Bay of plenty rohe. I am also a part of the community engagement team for the Electoral commission.
Since being home I have made strong efforts to reconnect with my Iwi my pa participating in various iwi events, Kapa haka, attending wananga facilitated by our Marae trying in anyway to be an active member of our iwi and this is my opportunity to give back.
Ngā manaakitanga, na
Tamihana Hamiora-Reweti
Te Arawa, Ngati Ranginui
Pererika MAKIHA
Tēnā tātou katoa
He uri ahau nō Makiha Hemana raua ko Te Paea Hinemahanga
Ko Pererika Makiha tōku ingoa
Representing our Tuhourangi whānau would be both challenging as well as rewarding. I believe I am able to meet the challenges so we can reap the rewards for the benefit of our Iwi. I bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to the role of Trustee as I believe I am a good listener, clear thinker and respect others opinions.
I have vast experience in the education sector as a Secondary School Teacher and Tutor for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. I have held numerous managerial positions as an operations manager for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Ministry of Fisheries, Harbourmaster Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Kaihautū for numerous double hull voyaging waka throughout the Pacific.
My current employment with Coastguard NZ and Coastguard Boating Education (Kaihautū Māori), Water Safety NZ (Advisor) and NZ Army (Pou Kōrero) requires me to engage and build relationships with iwi around the country, therefore as a result I have developed extensive iwi networks thoughout the country.
I actively support and speak on many paepae and taumata in Te Arawa and Ngāpuhi.
I am on the following Trusts; Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League (President). Te Whakarewarewa Military Remembrance Trust (Trustee), Te Arawa Waka Taua Trust (Trustee), Ngā Waka o Te Taitokerau (Te Arawa Rep), Tangaroa Ara Rau Advisory Water Safety NZ (Advisor) Te Pūhara Mana Iwi Advisory Coastguard NZ (Advisor)
Ngā mihi,
Pererika Makiha
Watu MIHINUI
I have a wealth of experience and skills in community and hapū development after 40 years in the public service and 68 years as an uri of Wāhiao and Mutukuri Waretini. At heart, I remain a whaka blonde penny diver.
From a young age I was always at the wharekai learning/slaving away at the ins and outs of manaakitanga, a legacy now entrusted to my uri. We were in fact sent to the marae to be there for our father who sat on the pae but was not of Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao descent.
In 2010 I founded the Te Whare Korero o Tūhourangi komiti, responsible for the renaissance of Tūhourangitanga at Te Pākira marae. This komiti became the whangai of Tūhourangi Tribal Authority in 2016, my second term as a trustee. The outcomes continue to stack up. I pay tribute to my dear friend Muriwai Ihakara who unstintingly shared his expertise and skill with our paetapu.
In October 2021 five Tūhourangi taonga were unveiled at Te Pūtake o Tawa, a project two years in the making, which I managed on behalf of Tūhourangi Tribal Authority. A spectacular event produced entirely by our hapū- tohunga whakairo/toi, tohunga karakia, tohunga whakapapa, pou korero, pou karanga, kapahaka superseded all challenges. Nga mihi rawa atu kia ratou katoa.
I am offering myself for a final term as I believe that I still have the goods to help in the development and sustainability of Tūhourangi te iwi.
Ngā mihi
Nā Watu Mihinui
Wārena MORGAN
Ko Wārena Morgan tōku ingoa, nō te whanau Morgan, Wikiriwhi, Hiini, Hatō, Haira mē Wīhapi, ōtirā nō Tūhourangi ahau. He mokopuna au ō Eruera raua kō Rangiātuhi (nee Haira) Morgan, Te Autiti raua kō Kahukura (nee Hemopō) Wikiriwhi, mē Karaneihana raua kō Kerera/Niki (nee Hatō) Hiini.
I am the Reliability and Machinery Safety Technician for Carter Holt Harvey at the Kinleith Plymill in Tokoroa, responsible for the reliability, guarding/safety of machinery, also I have some other responsibilities which involve security systems and camera systems.
I have held several senior positions on committee groups and organisations.
• President of the Whakarewarewa Community Sports Inc: 2018 – 2020
• President of the Rotorua Rugby Sub Union: 2020 – 2021
• President of the Central Bay of Plenty Rugby Sub Union: 2021 – 2022
• Member of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Judicial Panel: 2021
• Chairman of the Rotokākahi Board of Control: 2021
I have also been a past committee/board member for all the above entities.
I am an accomplished and energetic professional with a solid history of achievement in management and decision-making. A motivated leader with strong organisational and prioritisation abilities. Areas of expertise include financial-delegation, health & safety and communication.
My decision to seek election to become a trustee, stems from my whakapapa and to represent our iwi with passion and integrity, developing strong networks and relationships enhancing the mana of Tūhourangi and I look forward to contributing my skills and dedication for the betterment of my iwi.
Rangitihi Darrell PENE
Nō Ngāti Hinemihi, nō Ngāti Huarere ōtirā nō Tūhourangi ahau.
Ko taku tūmanako kia pūtaiki, arā kia kotahi ai te hoe!
I am self-employed and work in the education sector. I once worked for the Ministry of Education and taught Te Reo Māori at Rotorua Lakes and Raukura. I was also once Head of Te Kura Māori at Toi Ohomai / Waiariki.
I sit on the paepae of both Te Pākira and Hinemihi Marae and as part of Te Whare o Tūhourangi, organize hīkoi and wānanga for Tūhourangi. I compose for Te Kapa Haka o Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Raukura and Ngāti Tarāwhai.
One of my other passions is coaching basketball, I am President of the Rotorua Association and help run the National Māori Basketball Tournament.
I am chairman of the Hinemihi Marae and led the 2019 delegation to London, that convinced the National Trust UK to return our precious Hinemihi carvings. I am also one of Tūhourangi’s elected trustees on the Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
As a Tūhourangi Tribal Authority trustee, I am acutely aware that we have not yet achieved Equity, as an affiliate of Te Pūmautanga o Te Arawa. Equity is about gaining financial fairness and satisfaction from Te Arawa’s Treaty settlement. In particular, an account needs to be taken of our population, resources, the number and value of our claims. I am determined to help our people achieve Equity for the betterment of all of our people for generations to come.
Ngā mihi
Manutai SCHUSTER
I bring to Tūhourangi Tribal Authority and our iwi many skills from a varied professional background. This has included business management and administration, education, film and television, broadcasting and communications, strategic and business planning, government entity funding, legal and reporting compliance.
Even though I am now retired, I still provide consultancy advice in the film and television industry. My particular areas of interest include reo and tikanga Māori, environmental awareness, iwi growth and development.
I have previously served two terms on Tūhourangi Tribal Authority from 2013-2019 and recently returned as a Trustee following the sad loss of Allan Skipwith.
Even though I am now retired, I still provide consultancy advice in the film and television industry. My particular areas of interest include reo and tikanga Māori, environmental awareness, iwi growth and development.
I have previously served two terms on Tūhourangi Tribal Authority from 2013-2019 and recently returned as a Trustee following the sad loss of Allan Skipwith.
Ngā mihi
Hui-ā-iwi : Taiao February 2022
Date: Sunday 27 February 2022
Time: 10am - 3pm
Location: online via zoom /limited numbers in-person at Whakarewarewa Village Office
We have decided to hold a space at the Whakarewarewa Village Office for up to 16 of our vaccinated whānau to attend this hui in-person. Firstly, our Koeke will be prioritised. Secondly, anyone without access to a device.
We have created an online RSVP register for those who wish to attend in person.
If a person you know is in one or both of these categories and unable to access this email or the link then could you please indicate this to us or please enter their details (with their permission) into the register on their behalf.
Rehita mō te hui ā-tinana / Register to attend in-person using the online RSVP register
Hui location in-person:
Whakarewarewa Village Main Office - 2nd Floor Boardroom
17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010
Time & Date:
10am - 3pm
Sunday 27th February 2022
Hui link via Zoom:
This meeting will be a recorded session for note taking purposes and TTA’s reference only. We will create a Dropbox link at a later date for the hui to be viewed and downloaded by our whānau that attend. Please feel free to indicate whether you would like to be sent this link:
Meeting ID: 851 8450 1453
Agenda
Mihimihi/Karakia
Purpose of Hui
TTA Strategy / Pou Taiao Komiti
Update on Key Mahi
Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Puarenga Consents and Activities Update
RM, Freshwater Reform & Three Waters
Tuhourangi Taiao Plan
Update on Other Mahi (time permitting)
Ngapuna Pollution Issues
Punaromia Upgrade
Whirinaki Valley Rd Restoration Project Update
Iwi-led Great Walk Proposal
Lunch
Wānanga
Taiao updates from hapū
Karakia / Whakamutunga
Election of Tuhourangi Tribal Authority Trustees
Following the AGM on 5 March, the Trustees of Tūhourangi Tribal Authority invite you to join them on Sunday, 6 March for a Trustee Election.
When: Sunday, 6 March 2022 at 10am – 3pm.
How: Electronic, post, or through a drive-through option at Whakarewarewa Rugby Club.
At this time, a ballot vote will be held to select three of the nominees posted below for a position as trustee on the Tūhourangi Tribal Authority.
PROXY VOTING IS NOT PERMITTED UNDER THE RULES SET DOWN BY THE TRUST DEED, THEREFORE:
1. Those wanting to vote must be registered on the TTA Beneficiary Register which closes at 4.30pm on 24 February 2022.
2. Those voting on the day in person MUST present themselves at the registration table.
3. On the day, only ONE ballot per person will be accepted.
4. Those wanting to use a postal vote MUST first request a ballot form from the TTA office and the ballot MUST be received by the Returning Officer by 4.30pm on 4 March 2022. Only one voting form per envelope will be accepted.
5. Those wanting to electronically vote MUST first request a ballot form from the TTA office and it MUST be received by the Returning Officer by 4.30pm on 4 March 2022. If received via any third party, it will be deemed invalid.
6. Those wanting postal voting forms MUST send a request stating your full name, address and date of birth to:
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority (TTA Office)
P.O. Box 6161
Whakarewarewa
ROTORUA
7. Those wanting electronic forms MUST email your request to:
NB: Returning Officer details will be displayed on the ballot form.
The Nominees are:
1 Kataraina HAMIORA-REWETI
2 Tamihana HAMIORA-REWETI
3 Pererika MAKIHA
4 Watu MIHINUI
5 Warena MORGAN
6 Rangitihi Darrell PENE
7 Manutai SCHUSTER
A hard copy can be mailed out with the requested ballot form.
Note:
Due to the current Omicron outbreak we have moved the in-person voting for the Elections to a drive-through option at the Whakarewarewa Rugby Club. More details to follow.
Tuhourangi Tribal Authority AGM
The Trustees of the Tūhourangi Tribal Authority invite you to join them on Saturday, 5 March for the Annual General Meeting.
When: Saturday, 5 March 2022 at 10am - 11.30am
Due to the current Omicron outbreak, we have moved our AGM online.
You will need to register using the form link here
AGENDA:
1: Karakia
2: Apologies
3: Previous Minutes
4: Chairperson’s Report
5: Operational Report
6: Annual Accounts
7: Appointment of Auditor
8: General Business
A copy of the Annual Report is available by emailing:
Hui-ā-iwi : Taiao
E nga uri a Tūhourangi hoki mai ki tenei Hui-a-Iwi.
Saturday, 17 April 2021 | 10am - 2.30pm
Te Pakira Marae
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority will be convening a Taiao Focus Hui-a-Iwi next month. The purpose is to share and discuss the national freshwater and Resource Management Act reforms as well as our values, relationships, rights and interests that we as Tūhourangi have with our lakes, rivers, streams and surrounding lands within our rohe.
TTA - Annual General Meeting 2020
This is an invitation to the Tuhourangi Tribal Authority AGM on Thursday, 10 December 2020, 5.30pm – 7.00pm at Te Pakira Marae
AGENDA:
1. Karakia
2. Previous Minutes
3. Audited Accounts
4. Appointment of Auditor
5. Chairman Report
6. Operational Report
7. General Business
8. Light Supper
If you wish to add an item of general business to the agenda, please contact Ngarepo@tuhourangi.iwi.nz. All general business must be received by 5pm Sunday, 22 November 2020. No general business items will be taken from the floor.
Please also contact Ngarepo if you would like a copy of the Annual Report sent to you.
Te Whare Kōrero o Tūhourangi
Tēnā koutou e te iwi! Anei ētahi karere o te wā:
1. Thu-Fri 30-31 May, Wānanga ki Ruatāhuna.
Last year Tūhoe came to Pukekaikāhu to share stories & whakaaro. We have been invited to Ruatāhuna to hear their kōrero and walk the whenua. This will run from about midday Thur (leave Rotorua) to mid afternoon Fri (arrive back).
2. Tūhourangi Ahurei
After considered discussion, the Ahurei venue has changed. Thank you Apumoana for your mahi in organising and planning thus far. The venue and time will now be Te Rau Aroha Wharekai, Whakarewarewa, Sunday 9 June 2019, 10am. All are welcome!
Contact me for more information.
Mauriora!
Hākopa
Events Postponed
As a consequence of the Prime Minister's announcement that Aotearoa New Zealand will move to Alert Level 2 (and the greater Auckland area to Alert Level 3) on Wednesday, 12 August at midday for three days, we have made the decision to postpone all events sponsored by Tūhourangi Tribal Authority until further notice.
This includes Rua Wiki (kai) this Thursday (13 August) evening and Wānanga on this Friday and Saturday (14-15 August) are postponed until further notice.
Visit our COVID-19 page for information and assistance.
Na Te Whare Korero o Tūhourangi
– Rangitihi Pene, Ngarepo Eparaima, Hakopa Tapiata, Matetu Mihinui, Aneta Morgan, Watu Mihinui
Te Whakarewatanga Ake: Hui-ā-iwi
Tū te winiwini, tū te wanawana, tū te ihihi ki a Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao.
Kai te whānau, kia wairua pai te Ngākau, kei warewaretia, te mano tini whāioio kua rūpeke atu ki Matangireia, ko te kōrerohanga nui o mate.
Haere, whakangaro atu rā.
Kai ngā kanohi ora, whakamaua te huarahi tika ki te pae tawhiti.
COVID-19 has deeply affected our pā and community of Te Whakarewarewa.
A hui to consider how to create new pathways that bring about a positive future for the Village is called for:
Sunday, 28 June 2020 | 10am - 12pm
Wāhiao Whare tupuna, Te Pakira Marae
KAUPAPATAKA:
Karakia
Mihimihi
Tirohanga Whānui – Visioning
He mahere haere whakamua – plan for progress
He rōpu whakatere – establishing a steering group
Karakia whakamutunga
Hākari
Nā te Paepae o Te Pakira Marae
This will be an open inclusive forum for anyone who has a vested interest in the pā to contribute positively to the kōrero.
Please let your whānau know and encourage everyone to attend.
TTA Election Meeting Notice
ELECTION FOR FIVE TRUSTEES
Date: 7 March 2020
Venue: Whakarewarewa School Hall
Agenda:
• 10.00am – 1.00pm: Voting
• 1.05pm to 5.30pm: Vote Count
• 6.00pm coin toss if required and announcement of successful nominees
An election vote will be held to select 5 of the nominees posted below for a position as trustee on the TTA.
Proxy voting is not permitted, therefore:
Those wishing to vote must be registered on the TTA Beneficiary Register. Beneficiary registrations will close at 4.30pm on Tuesday, 25 February 2020.
Those voting on the day must present themselves at the venue registration table between 10.00am and 1.00pm.
Only one election voting slip per person will be accepted.
Those wanting to use a postal vote must first request an election voting slip from the Tūhourangi Tribal Authority office and this voting slip must be received by the returning officer by 5.00pm on 6 March 2020, otherwise it will be deemed invalid; only one election voting slip per envelope will be accepted.
Those wanting to vote electronically must first request an electronic election voting slip from the Tūhourangi Tribal Authority office and this voting slip must be received by the returning officer by 5.00pm on 6 March 2020 otherwise it will be deemed invalid; if received via a third party it will also be deemed invalid.
Contact the Tūhourangi Tribal Authority office at admin@tuhourangi.iwi.nz.
Those wanting postal voting slips please send a request, stating your full name, address, email address and date of birth to:
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority (TTA Office)
P.O.Box 6161 Whakarewarewa
The Nominees are:
1 : ALAN SKIPWITH
2 : RANGITIHI PENE
3 : WATU MIHINUI
4 : MANUTAI SCHUSTER
5 : DELIAH BALLE
6 : JACOB TAPIATA
7 : KIRIKOWHAI MIKAERE
8 : METCALF HAWE
Candidate profiles can be viewed here.
A hard copy can be mailed out with the requested election voting slip.
Beneficiary Registrations Closes 4.30pm Tuesday, 25 February 2020.
Returning Officer details will be displayed on the Ballot form.
Nā mātou,
Tuhourangi Tribal Authority Trustees
Hui-ā-iwi: Update
The hui dealt with two matters:
1. Equity
Consistent with previous decisions the hui unanimously supported the continuation of TTA work to have this matter addressed and resolved:
a. That TTA engage with TPT to request them to take legal advice and steps to obtain a declaratory decision.
b. If those discussions are unsuccessful, TTA to consult with the iwi before taking any further action.
A copy of the FAQ sheet that was shared at the hui is included below.
2. The Ngati Rangitihi overlapping interests at Tarawera and Rotomahana.
In response to prior hui-a-iwi, TTA trustees were able to confirm:
- Ngati Rangitihi makes no claim for fee simple title or statutory acknowledgement over any Tuhourangi lands as awarded to them through the Native Land Court (Rotomahana Parekarangi 6 lands).
- In respect of the whenua rahui over the Tarawera maunga, through the Te Arawa Collective Settlement legislation, the Crown is able to provide a similar rahui to Ngati Rangitihi.
- The Waimangu fee simple titles over three parcels of land initially offered by the Crown to Ngati Rangitihi were withdrawn, these can only be included with the consent of Tuhourangi. TTA with the support of Ngati Rangitihi and via their settlement propose to take the opportunity for the return of this Waimangu land and another parcel which borders the lake where the Pink and White Terraces once were. Both are culturally significant Tuhourangi lands and part of Rotomahana Parekarangi 6.
Included below is a copy of the fact sheet distributed at the hui and includes the following meeting resolution:
The hui recommended that TTA work with Ngati Rangitihi to make the strongest case possible for the return of these culturally significant tribal lands.
FAQ’s Regarding Equity
What is equity?
Consider the scenario where two people enter into business, one invests $75 and the other $25. The equity and profit sharing is based on your contribution and NOT equal shares.
What is the background context to this question?
TTA have been working on understanding and trying to resolve equity within TPT for some time now.
Various consultants and contractors have been engaged by TPT to resolve this matter and these have included Willy Te Aho, OTS, Wira Gardner, Judge Hingston, and other contractors but to no avail.
In February this year Shane Gibbons was engaged by TPT to investigate and provide a report on the process and decisions taken that lead to the issue of equal shareholding of the settlement assets.
This report contains significant evidence and provides good cause for TTA to continue to pursue this matter as a priority.
What does equity mean to Tuhourangi?
We believe the settlement equity should be based on what each of the affiliates brought to the table by way of their claims e.g. as quantified by their respective land lost.
Tuhourangi lost 64,000 acres while some affiliates lost very little land and they share equally in the settlement.
What is Tuhourangi entitled to?
The Tuhourangi land loss has an estimated value of $533m.
What is Tuhourangi going to receive?
Based on the current equal shares allocated to all TPT affiliates Tuhourangi projected value at 2043 is $117m.
What level of satisfaction does this provide for the Tuhourangi claims?
Based on a land loss value of $533m and the current projected settlement value of $117m Tuhourangi level of satisfaction is only 22%.
Who are the other affiliates affected by this equity question?
Kea Tuara 76% satisfaction, and Tura Tu Ngakau 96% satisfaction.
How does that compare with other affiliates?
All but the three affiliates named above receive well in excess of their entitlement, as an example one affiliate based on their land loss value $6m will receive $73m making their level of satisfaction 1216%.
Another example is one iwi withdrew from the collective settlement but three of their hapu remained in the collective effectively they will achieve more than Tuhourangi (entitled to $48m and receiving $220m, level of satisfaction is 458%).
A similar analogy can be made where another iwi remained in the collective but split into three effectively getting three shares (entitlement $59m and receiving $249m, level of satisfaction is 422%).
What is the current appetite within TPT to review and or remedy this?
There is zero appetite for change.
Only Tuhourangi and possibly one other affiliate believe there is an issue the rest refuse to attend meetings, receive reports or discuss the issue and possible solutions.
What is the current basis for distribution of the settlement assets?
The cash surplus was used to float TAGH for which there are equal shares issued to all affiliates.
All income from the settlement assets including CNI forest rentals, school property rentals are assigned to TAGH and by default are shared equally.
The policy for the devolution of the CNI forest lands has NOT been determined but the assumption being promoted by most is these will be returned to the mana whenua.
What options are there to resolve the equity issue?
Recalculate the sharing model to fairly reflect the affiliates input/claim value.
Leave the TAGH shareholding as is and allocate the rental streams only to those affiliates whose level of satisfaction is below 100%.
Allocate the CNI lands only to those affiliates where the level of satisfaction is below 100%.
This option would still be short for Tuhourangi ($353m) but is better than the current $117m.
How is the TTA settlement value made up?
TTA has an equal share in TAGH which at 2018 had a value of $9m, (The annual dividend return is $100k per anum).
TTA mana whenua in the CNI forest includes Whaka, Waimangu, Highlands, Paeroa East but the devolution of these lands is still to be agreed at TPT.
TTA also received 5 cultural redress properties, Punaromia, Rotomahana, Kakapiko, Moerangi, and a half share in Te Ariki.
Are there any other areas of the settlement that need to be resolved?
The TPT research and subsequent award of the Waiotapu cultural redress property to Tahu Whaoa was totally inadequate and ignores the fact that Tuhourangi mana whenua entitles Tuhourangi to an estimated half share. (This includes the Thermal Valley tourist attraction.)
TPT took up the first right of purchase of a farm block at Horohoro, Tuhourangi did not receive the opportunity to purchase this, nor did the whanau. The right was given to TAGH who simply on sold it for a profit of $1m.
Are there any other issues that arise from the inequitable settlement?
Such is the inequitable and prejudicial nature of our settlement Tuhourangi has had to try and enhance its position by other means including:
- Having Te Puia assist fund the TTA 50% share in the purchase of Waimangu Valley tourism business.
- Having to consider using the Ngati Rangitihi settlement to secure the return of further mana whenua.
- TTA having limited capacity to provide social outcomes to our iwi.
What is being proposed?
The hui resolved to support:
- That TTA engage with TPT to request them to seek legal advice and take steps to obtain a declaratory decision.
- If those discussions are unsuccessful, TTA to consult with the iwi before taking any further action.
NB. The resolution was carried by a unanimous vote.
FAQ’s Regarding the Ngati Rangitihi Overlapping Interests at Tarawera and Rotomahana
What land is Ngati Rangitihi (NR) claiming in respect to Tarawera and Rotomahana?
Their claim includes 16 separate parcels of land that are located in the Ruawahia block.
Who did the Native Land Court award the Ruawahia block to?
Ngati Rangitihi were awarded the Ruawahia block but they were also the Rotomahana Parekarangi 5 and Rerewhakaitu blocks, all in the Tarawera Rotomahana area.
Are NR claiming any land interests on Tuhourangi side of the boundary?
No, but NR have offered, entirely at the perogative of Tuhourangi, to have two statutory acknowledgements on Parekarangi 6 blocks to be assigned to Tuhourangi by way of the NR settlement. These blocks have been offered to NR by the crown however if Tuhourangi were to decide not to avail themselves of this offer NR will ask for these to be removed from their settlement.
Does Tuhourangi have any land on the NR side of the boundary?
Yes we do, as a result of our settlement Tuhourangi was given a whenua rahui reserve status over the northern side of the maunga. The Crown plan to provide NR with a similar rahui over the same block which we initially disputed however our settlement legislation provides for the Crown to do this.
What lands were Tuhourangi awarded by the Native Land?
Tuhourangi area of interests is extends from Putauaki to Tauhara however from actual lands claimed via the NLC Tuhouangi were principally awarded Rotomahana Parekarangi 6 blocks, from Tarawera Rotomahana through to the Waikato river. This included the disputed land at Te Ariki and Rotomahana.
Where are these blocks?
Parekarangi 6 borders Ruawahia through the middle of Lake Tarawera. Parekarangi 6 borders Parekarangi 5 at Rotomahana. (See the map attached app.1)
Did Tuhourangi and Ngati Rangitihi live together at Tarawera and was it a peaceful existence?
Yes, generally it was peaceful and we did fight together against all other threats. But we did fight each other over Te Ariki, and the Pink and White Terraces where battles over a number of years saw people on both sides killed. There remains strong whakapapa connections with NR.
Who won?
Eventually peace was made and Tuhourangi retained their mana at Te Ariki and the Terraces. The land was eventually taken by the Crown post the Tarawera eruption.
What is the opportunity for Tuhourangi to get more land returned?
Virtually nil, as Tuhourangi settled all their claims in 2008 as part of the Te Arawa collective (TPT) and that was accepted as full and final and the legislation prevents Tuhourangi revisiting those historical claims.
But currently two options present for this to happen:
• We can, through the NR settlement process, have more lands returned, NR are happy to facilitate this and the Crown are prepared to assist iwi to enable this to happen. We have identified two areas that are culturally significant to us. One block is the Waimangu Volcanic Valley 134ha that our business currently leases from DOC and the other is an adjacent block along the Rotomahana lake shore called Otukapuarangi 40ha (this is where the Pink and White Terraces were).
• Alternatively, we could take a contemporary claim via the Tribunal and or the High Court. The outcome would likely NOT include vast tracks of land being returned but limited to the likes of Otukapuarangi.
What would the arrangement be for NR to enable this to occur?
In appreciation for assisting with the return of Otukapuarangi in sole fee simple title to Tuhourangi we would share 50/50 an undivided fee simple title in the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, noting that we are currently joint owners with NR in that business.
NR have acknowledged Tuhourangi via their TPT collective settlement may raise a contemporary claim, they respect our perogative, but require that this has no impact for the matters in their AIP.
Were other options considered?
The expectation of having the Crown realign the NLC awards with our historical mana whenua view is unrealistic.
The expectation of having a successful contemporary claim has significant cost and risk for minimal reward.
The return of various larger blocks was investigated but considered less likely to succeed.
This proposition still requires Crown approval and we will work with NR to make the strongest possible case.
What benefits would this proposition have for Tuhourangi?
• Provides the last chance for the return of more of our tribal lands.
• Has both significant cultural and financial benefits.
• Financial benefits to the iwi via our joint venture tourism operation at Waimangu where lease costs, currently being paid to DOC, would be paid to the iwi.
• Better enables the iwi to provide social outcomes.
• Avoids any litigation costs.
• Presents the opportunity to strengthen inter-iwi relationships and establishes a model of collaboration for iwi moving into the future.
• This proposition ensures both iwi can uphold their respective historical mana whenua views.
• Consistent with the peace made in 1850 after the Te Ariki disputes.
What is the recommendation to the Tuhourangi Tribal Authority?
TTA trustees believe this to be a fair landing for both iwi with significant cultural and financial justification that will enable us both to be future focused.
The hui recommended that TTA work with Ngati Rangitihi to make the strongest case possible for the return of these culturally significant tribal lands.
NB. The resolution was carried by a majority vote.