On 25 March, Arahura whānau welcomed Ngāruahine whānau to our marae in preparation for the Crown’s apology.
On 27 March, Poutini Ngāi Tahu whānau alongside Ngāruahine welcomed the Crown to our rohe. It was a hair-raising pōwhiri where our Ngāti Waewae whānau presented them with a wero to begin. Shortly after the pōwhiri we all gathered up at the Seaview monument in memory of Tohu Kakahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai, who lead the Parihaka movement.
With humility and dignity, Ngāruahine accepted the apology, which was delivered in Hokitika, one of the three places in Te Waipounamu where the Parihaka political inmates were imprisoned without trial.
The signing is a step towards a more positive future for Ngāruahine whānau and we wish them all the best for the future.
Wāhine toa.
Ngāti Waewae and Ngāruahine whānau gather at the memorial site at Seaview, Hokitika.
Ngāti Waewae and Ngāruahine whānau gather in front of Tūhuru Marae.
Ngāti Waewae whānau during the wero.
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Christopher Finlayson being led onto Tūhuru Marae.