A Momentous Step Towards Reconciliation
In a significant stride towards reconciliation, Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and the Crown have joined forces in a historic accord. The Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Deed, christened as Te Ruruku Pūtakerongo, was solemnly signed at the Owae marae in Waitara today.
This marks a pivotal milestone as it stands as the 100th deed inked since the commencement of the Treaty of Waitangi negotiations, and crucially, the final redress deed for the Taranaki region.
Paving the Path of Harmony
Minister Andrew Little, responsible for the Treaty of Waitangi negotiations, emphasized the historic significance of this occasion. He declared,
“Today is a historic moment for not only Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, the Crown, the Taranaki region, but Aotearoa New Zealand. It is also a significant step towards reconciliation between the Crown and Ngā Iwi o Taranaki.”
The Unity of Ngā Iwi o Taranaki
The entity known as Ngā Iwi o Taranaki encompasses the amalgamation of eight iwi from Taranaki: Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Mutunga, Taranaki Iwi, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Maru, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, and Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi.
These iwi collectively represent around 60,000 members and share a vested interest encompassing the entire expanse of the Taranaki region.
‘Te Ruruku Pūtakerongo’: A Commitment to Balance
Named ‘Te Ruruku Pūtakerongo’ by the iwi, the Collective Redress Deed encapsulates the settlement’s essence—a dedication to fostering harmony and equilibrium.
This endeavor holds a profound significance, particularly in recognizing Taranaki Maunga as a person, a tūpuna (ancestor), and an indivisible, living entity within the scope of the law.
Acknowledging Historic Breaches and Restoration
The Deed resonates with the acknowledgment of the Crown’s historical transgressions concerning Taranaki Maunga. These include the confiscation of a staggering 1.2 million acres of Taranaki lands.
Through Te Ruruku Pūtakerongo, the transformation is set to unfold, reshaping the landscape in profound ways.
Transformative Shifts: Ownership and Stewardship
Egmont National Park will undergo a transformative shift as it assumes the name Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, signifying ‘the highly regarded and treasured lands of Taranaki.’
A groundbreaking shift follows, as the national park, comprising Taranaki Maunga and its encircling peaks, becomes vested in a legal entity known as ‘Te Kāhui Tupua,’ granting it an essence of personhood and self-possession.
Guardianship and Stewardship: Te Tōpuni Kōkōrangi
To ensure the well-being of Te Kāhui Tupua, a representative body named Te Tōpuni Kōkōrangi will come to life.
This entity, composed of both Crown and iwi representatives, will serve as custodians, acting in the best interests of Te Kāhui Tupua—a role that underscores the collaborative essence of this transformative accord.
Thriving Together: A Collective Responsibility
In alignment with the Taranaki proverb, “Taranaki Maunga, Taranaki Tangata,” which emphasizes the intertwining of the mountain and its people, Minister Andrew Little reiterated the collective duty to safeguard the prosperity of Te Kāhui Tupua.
The essence of this commitment is to facilitate the flourishing of both the land and its inhabitants as they navigate a shared path toward harmonious coexistence.
Sources: THX News & New Zealand Government.
