CHANGE OF VENUE FOR WAITANGI TRIBUNAL HEARING WEEK 16

MPWCT, NGĀTI WHITIKAUPEKA & MOAWHANGO MARAE, NGĀTI HAUITI & RATA MARAE

IMMEDIATE COMMUNICATION RELEASE

5 AUGUST 2021

KA HIWA RA! KA HIWA RA!

Ngāti Whitikaupeka and Moawhango Marae have made the difficult decision to hand over the hosting of Hearing Week 16 on 10 to 12 August to whanaunga Ngāti Hauiti and Rata Marae.  Due to the possibility of road closure between Taihape and Moawhango as the weather forecast is for snow in the Taihape area, early next week.

This is a heavy decision for Moawhango Marae. The Whare Tūpuna Whitikaupeka was commissioned by Ihakara Te Raro and built specifically as a Whare Moe to provide accommodation in the hope that Native Land Court hearings would be held at Moawhango. Instead of the haukainga having to travel to Marton, Whanganui, Heretaunga, Tūrangi, for these Hearings as they were required to do back then. Moawhango Tūpuna had repeatedly requested for Native Land Court hearings be held in Moawhango in the late 1800’s. Their repeated requests were ignored and the intended purpose of the Whare Tūpuna back then, was not fulfilled. This pāmaemae is still felt today. The opportunity to host at Moawhango was highly treasured.

Ngāti Whitikaupeka and Moawhango Marae acknowledge the Crown and the Waitangi Tribunal accepting Moawhango Marae as a venue for Hearing Week 16. It is unfortunate the necessary scheduling changes have meant these hearings fell later in Winter and forecasted weather conditions have forced a change of venue. Moawhango Marae and Ngāti Whitikaupeka hand over the hosting rākau to whānaunga Ngāti Hauiti and Rata Marae, for the comfort and safe passage of those sitting and attending at these Hearings.

Mōkai Pātea Waitangi Claims Trust support the difficult decision made by Moawhango Marae and we acknowledge that a change of venue may cause inconvenience to some, which is regretted. However, the Mōkai Pātea claimants regard their priority as ensuring that the hearing continue within the current timeframe, and the change of venue will give the best chance of that occurring.

We encourage Mōkai Pātea whanau to continue to attend Hearing Week 16 now at Rata Marae and support both our Ngāti Whitikaupeka and Ngāti Hauiti whanaunga with this venue change.

Na

Moawhango Marae, Ngāti Whitikaupeka, Rata Marae, Ngāti Hauiti, Mōkai Pātea Waitangi Claims Trust