Waikato-Tainui Commemorates 20 Years of Raupatu Settlement

2015 marks the 20th anniversary of Waikato-Tainui settling its Treaty of Waitangi Raupatu claim and the iwi is encouraging all people to join with it to commemorate this significant milestone.

Rahui Papa, chairman of the tribe’s executive committee Te Arataura, said a range of key events will be held to acknowledge the anniversary, which he describes as an opportunity to revisit the meaning of the Raupatu and its defining place within the history of Waikato-Tainui and New Zealand.

The first event will be held on Friday 22 May 2015, exactly 20 years since Waikato-Tainui and the Government signed the Deed of Settlement, bringing to an end 132 years of grievance following the devastating Land Wars and confiscation of 1.2 million acres of land.

“2015 is a time for reflection, remembrance, and commemoration. We must not forget the price our people paid as a result of the Land Wars, the deaths that resulted, and the widespread deprivation from the loss of land and the economic base it provided,” ,” said Mr Papa.

“And we mustn’t forget the courage and determination of all those who led our iwi to settlement and an apology; enabling us to address our mamae and to move forward.”

Mr Papa said the settlement has resulted in the transformation of Waikato-Tainui, which in two decades has developed into a significant contributor to the Waikato and New Zealand economies through its commercial, social, cultural and environmental endeavours.

“The settlement has been good for us and it’s been good for all New Zealanders. Through these events we will properly commemorate the Raupatu and provide an opportunity for others, especially the younger generation, to learn about what happened and why it is relevant. This is a kaupapa that must remain uppermost in all our hearts and minds,” Mr Papa said.

The events being held are:

Commemoration of the Deed of Settlement Signing

On Friday 22 May 2015 Waikato-Tainui will commemorate the signing of the Deed of Settlement at Tuurangawaewae Marae. The programme is as follows:

o 10am Powhiri

o 12pm Haakari

o 2.15pm Launch of Commemorative Raupatu Booklet,
Raupatu Commemorative Pin
Raupatu Waiata

o 3.30pm-5pm Raupatu Presentations
Raupatu rangatahi production, Entertainment

An exhibition documenting the history of the Raupatu will be available for viewing. The event is open to everyone.

Raupatu Community Celebration

This celebration festival will be held at Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton, on Saturday 30 May 2015from 2pm to 6pm. It is a whanau day of entertainment that is aimed at raising awareness of the Raupatu. Entertainers include Josh Leys, Leon Wharekura, Rewa Ututaonga, Jamey Ferguson, Annie Crummer and Three Houses Down. Tickets are $40 for 2 adults and 2 children, $25 individual, $15 Student, $10 Child. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.ticketek.co.nz. This event is open to everyone.

Rangatahi Summit

The Rangatahi Summit is held every second year and is aimed at empowering our rangatahi to be future leaders, re-engage with their whakapapa and the Kiingitanga, and to embrace whakawhanaungatanga. This year’s theme for the two-day summit, which will be held in South Auckland, is Raupatu. Date and venue details will be advised via the tribe’s Facebook page (Ko Waikato te Awa, Ko Waikato te Iwi). This event is open to rangatahi tribal members.

Raupatu Anniversary Official Closing

A whaanau day will be held at Hopuhopu to commemorate the passing into legislation of the Waikato Raupatu Claims Settlement Act 1995. This event will officially bring to a close the Raupatu anniversary year. It is open to all tribal members and entry is free. Details of venue and date will be confirmed soon. This event is open to tribal members.

Mementos including a commemorative booklet, branded merchandise and apparel, and a commemorative pin are in production and will be available for purchase at most events.

ends

© Scoop Media