Hon Te Ururoa Flavell
Minister for Māori Development
Marama Fox MP: Māori Party Co-leader

3 June 2016 Media Statement

Minister to discuss Land Wars with Iwi leaders

Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell is today meeting with Iwi leaders in Manukau to discuss the New Zealand Land Wars.

On the agenda is discussion on how the Land Wars can best be commemorated and to decide on an agreed date.

The New Zealand Land Wars took place in the 19th century in Wairau, Northland, Taranaki, Waikato, Te Urewera, Tauranga, Opotiki and the East Coast.

Mr Flavell says the allocation of $4 million in Budget 2016 to go toward Land Wars commemorations has paved the way for Aotearoa to better understand and learn from its shared history, and the meeting with Iwi leaders is the next step.

“It is important that we seek agreement across Iwi and I’m looking forward to the discussions,” he says.

Other topics to be discussed at today’s hui include, whether to have a Land Wars monument at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington, and the ultra-endurance heritage challenge Te Tapuwae Roa.

“The New Zealand Land Wars played a substantial role in shaping our history,” Mr Flavell says.

“The loss of so many lives and valued whenua resulted in major negative social, economic, and environmental consequences for Māori that continue to have an impact today.”

Māori Party Co-leader Marama Fox says: "It's time that we all recognise the importance of honouring those who perished on home soil just as we honour those who died overseas."

"These battles shaped our country and its people," she says.

ENDS

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