Ngā Hararei-ā-Kura, school holidays: Tūhourangi Edition
We’ve put together a list of activities for whānau (and everyone) to help with the upcoming school holidays - Tūhourangi edition!
The places mentioned in our list are either:
on Tūhourangi whenua (lands)
have businesses owned by Tūhourangi uri (descendants) on them
are owned by Tūhourangi Tribal Authority - therefore, free for Tūhourangi uri to visit!
For further details please DM on our Facebook or instagram or contact admin@tuhourangi.iwi.nz
Tūhourangi Registration Drive
We’re on a journey to create a better and more up to date Tūhourangi register for you and our iwi.
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority is committed to connecting to all our whānau but we need to know where you are in the world. To help us on this journey, we are offering all new and existing beneficiaries the chance to win one of 2 x personalised iPad Airs (64GB wifi enabled).
To enter, new beneficiaries must complete a registration application and send to admin@tuhourangi.iwi.nz for review*. For existing beneficiaries to be eligible, you must complete the Beneficiary Personal Details form here .
Here’s a few reasons why you should register...as a registered TTA beneficiary, you can:
• Vote in Trustee elections
• Visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley for free
• Receive Pānui and other related TTA communications direct to your mailbox
• Participate in cultural and historical wānanga
• Kaumātua services
• Receive discounts from Tūhourangi business partners
For more information about registering and to download a form, visit https://www.tuhourangi.iwi.nz/rehita/
This promotion runs from 9.00am (NZDT) Monday, 18 April 2022 until 5.00pm (NZDT) Monday, 18 July 2022. Winners will be announced via an electronic random barrel draw at 5.00pm (NZDT) Monday, 18 July 2022.
*only validated applications will be permitted for entry.
GM Role - Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Our tāonga, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, is seeking a new General Manager to grow the tourism business while maintaining the environmental uniqueness that makes Waimangu so special.
This is a rare opportunity for the right person to take up the role of kaitiaki for Waimangu.
Please share this link with whānau and friends who you think would be interested in this role.
Call for Artists
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is going to be installing an outdoor art trail in the valley from 24 October. They’re giving local artists the opportunity to submit their designs and ideas to be considered as one of 12 finalists whose artwork will be displayed across summer for manuhiri to enjoy.
Prize money is on offer in two categories:
People’s Choice Award $1,500
Judge’s Choice Award $1,500
Culturally significant lands at Waimangu to return to iwi ownership
Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust (Te Mana) and Tūhourangi Tribal Authority (TTA) are pleased to announce that one year on since the Deed of Undertaking was signed between the two Iwi, they have been successful in jointly negotiating with the Crown for the return of culturally significant lands at Waimangu and Otūkapuarangi.
This milestone means that, Ngāti Rangitihi has resolved the overlapping claim issues it has with Tūhourangi and can proceed with voting on its Deed of Settlement. If the Ngāti Rangitihi Deed of Settlement is ratified and signed, Tūhourangi will then be able to have land returned that was not available when it settled with the Crown in 2007.
This pioneering agreement for the return of lands that were once the centre of many historic disputes for both Iwi, will mean Ngāti Rangithi and Tūhourangi stand to be both the joint business and landowners of Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This includes 80 hectares of concession land, currently leased from the Department of Conservation, for the operation of the eco-tourism business Waimangu Volcanic Valley Limited. The annual concession fee will now be paid to the joint iwi owners instead of to the Department of Conservation.
Te Mana Chairman, Leith Comer says this process has provided a unique opportunity for the two Iwi to work together to pursue common objectives at Tarawera.
“This agreement recognises the close overlap of Ngāti Rangitihi and Tūhourangi in a special part of the world, which features significantly in both our tribal stories,” says Mr Comer.
“Through this journey, we have rediscovered our close whakapapa, historical and cultural ties and we look forward to a strong, enduring and positive relationship with Tūhourangi post-settlement.
“Ngāti Rangitihi is pleased that, together with Tūhourangi, our people can now truly own and be the kaitiaki of Waimangu, and further develop our eco-tourism business there.
“We are also happy that we have been able to use the Treaty Settlement process to enable Tūhourangi to have the land at Otūkapuarangi returned to them, an area which is of particular cultural significance to them and which was originally part of the land awarded to them by the Native Land Court,” says Mr Comer.
TTA Chairman Alan Skipwith says that in achieving such a result through the joint negotiations, the concerns regarding overlapping interests at Tarawera and Rotomahana have been addressed, enabling the Ngāti Rangitihi settlement negotiations to be completed, so that Te Mana can bring to Ngāti Rangitihi members a Deed of Settlement to vote on. signing.
“The agreement will see mutual benefits for both Iwi and signals a new era in post-Treaty Settlement relationships among neighbouring Iwi,” says Mr Skpiwith.
Both Iwi acknowledge that this outcome would not would not have been possible without the vision and collaboration of all those who were committed to this innovative approach to resolving overlapping interests: the Ngāti Rangitihi and Tūhourangi negotiators; Minister Little and the team from Te Arawhiti; and also to the tīpuna and koeke of both Iwi, past and present.
“This work has been ongoing since 2015 and now we should all be very proud of the outcome and the return of these hugely historical Tūhourangi tribal lands at Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Otūkapuarangi,” says Mr Skipwith.
“Putting aside our differences in this way, despite the mamae of the past, will enable Tūhourangi and Ngāti Rangitihi to continue working together to develop the cultural, economic and environmental values of our whenua, through sustainable environmental tourism.
“The return to Iwi of the lands at Waimangu and Otūkapuarangi will mean that our future generations can reconnect with the tribal lands that their ancestors once roamed.”
Ngāti Rangitihi will be able to vote on their Deed of Settlement from Friday 24 July to Sunday 23 August 2020. If the Deed of Settlement is approved, the agreements between Te Mana and TTA will come into effect once the Ngāti Rangitihi settlement has passed through legislation in 2022.
“We encourage all of Ngāti Rangitihi to ensure they are registered so they can vote and have their say on this important part of our settlement journey,” says Mr Comer.
“This settlement is a comprehensive one, that will unlock immense value for Ngāti Rangitihi.”
Tūhourangi Uri Visits to Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Check it out whānau! Free visits for all Tūhourangi registered iwi beneficiaries to the beautiful Waimangu Volcanic Valley on any day of the year.
This generous offer replaces the ‘Iwi Open Weekends.’
Contact Ngarepo (Ngarepo@tuhourangi.iwi.nz) at the Tūhourangi office if you’d like to book, including the number and names of your guests. Please allow five working days to have this sorted for you.
Ngarepo will confirm availability with the Waimangu office then confirm with you if that date is available – or suggest an alternative date/time. You must be registered with Tūhourangi Tribal Authority to take up this offer.
The Offer:
FOC Walk and Boat Cruise (boat cruises subject to availability) at Waimangu for all Tūhourangi and Ngāti Rangitihi registered iwi beneficiaries.
Valid until further notice.
The Process:
Beneficiary contacts respective iwi office (ngarepo@tuhourangi.iwi.nz) who will validate the request.
Iwi office contacts Waimangu via email 48 hours out from the visit date via nature@waimangu.co.nz with details on numbers and names*.
Waimangu checks availability and either (1) confirms the booking or (2) suggests another date if space is not available (space on the boat that is…the walk is highly unlikely to be unavailable).
Iwi office advises the manuhiri
Manuhiri arrive and enjoys a great visit at Waimangu!
*exceptions to this process may occur very occasionally which would mean a phone call from the respective iwi offices (or one of our board members).
NOTE: if the visit is not prearranged using this process then the manuhiri are to pay for entry fees.
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.