Parihaka Reconciliation Presented with Crown Support Package
1 March 2017
MEDIA STATEMENT FROM THE PARIHAKA PAPAKĀINGA TRUST
Parihaka Reconciliation Presented with Support Package From the Crown
The Crown has presented a support package to the Parihaka Papakāinga Trust based on decisions made by Cabinet in relation to the Parihaka Reconciliation Process.
The package and other initiatives have been designed to reconcile the Crown’s relationship with Parihaka and includes a Relationship Agreement between Parihaka and Crown Agencies and local authorities in Taranaki and a financial contribution towards healing and reconciliation, infrastructure and cultural development. The package also includes a formal apology from the Crown for its actions at Parihaka. A Legacy Statement with the Crown which will address historical issues and the aspirations of Parihaka is currently being worked on by the Parihaka community.
An engagement process with the Parihaka community facilitated by the Parihaka Papakāinga Trust was conducted from December 2016 through to 26 February 2017. The Parihaka community was given the opportunity to provide feedback covering all of the aspects of the Crown’s support package. All feedback was to be submitted by 17 February 2017 for collation and review by the Trust.
The report on the feedback from the engagement programme found that, “Parihaka supports the overall Crown Package as a sufficient starting point for Parihaka’s future."
“The feedback reflected that Parihaka does not support $9 million as a part of the Crown’s support package as being a sufficient contribution towards Parihaka’s development. The Trust now seek the Crown’s response to the feedback of the Parihaka community on the $9 million contribution."
“Parihaka do not want the special factors of the Parihaka legacy to be overshadowed by the issue of money, however the community has participated and provided its feedback and it is our duty to present that to the Crown for a response."
“Despite the overall support for the Crown support package the Trust acknowledge that a small section of our community do not support any form of reconciliation with the Crown and acknowledge all views however challenging they may be."
The Trust will now report back on the Crown’s response at a Parihaka community hui to be held on 2 April 2017.
“Given the overall support for the package Parihaka are committed to continuing their work programme with the Crown and remain dedicated to this important reconciliation process."
“The month of March in particular is dedicated to the development of a Parihaka Legacy Statement and wānanga on the Crown Apology.."
Please do not seek any comments on behalf of Parihaka from any other representatives other than Puna Wano-Bryant or Dr Ruakere Hond for reo Māori comments.