Momentum is reinvigorated as Te Hikutu hosted the second Hui-ā-Hapū o Ngāpuhi for the rōpū, "Kia Anga Mua Ngā Hapū o Ngāpuhi" (KAM) held at Moria Marae in Whirinaki on Saturday 9th March 2019. The Hapū were attending the hui to further explore earlier kōrero around how Hapū can salvage their aspirations to meet with the Crown and discuss the breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi against Ngāpuhi.

A letter and supplementary discussion papers to the Minister that were crafted by the Kia Anga Mua Working Group and Advisory group were presented at the hui. The hui gave opportunity for all Hapū in attendance to review the documents and ensure their message was going to be clearly conveyed to the Minister.

“Being a part of the interim Kaumatua Advisory Group for Kia Anga Mua is exciting and encouraging to witness as we tiaki the rangatahi members of our Working Group to develop ideas to move forward. They are actively working together, meeting on a weekly basis, and have produced a letter with a plan to deliver to Minister Andrew Little. We are confident this letter will send a strong signal to the Minister that we, Kia Anga Mua Ngā Hapū o Ngāpuhi, are ready to meet”. Anania Wikaira, Kaikōrero for Te Hikutu.

It was acknowledged that any plans to move forward will need to work within the bounds of the current mandate. However the documents and further discussions that evolved within the hui included recommended approaches towards Cultural Redress, Commercial and Financial Redress and to explore developing a Post-Settlement Government Entity. All of which is contained in the letter that is to be delivered to Minister Andrew Little.

The KAM Working Group and Kaumatua Advisory Group are starting to develop a synchronised rhythm that was strongly reflected throughout the hui, hence the request was put to the whare to retain the current members of both groups. This request was supported and this gives a strong indication of how future relationships amongst the Hapū can work through the utilisation of new and old technologies, allowing for open dialog and positive progression towards KAM’s aspirations.

The tono to host the next Kia Anga Mua hui was put forward by Te Hapae Ashby which will be held at Te Tarai O Rahiri, Mangakahia in April. Further details of the hui will be made available once they have been confirmed.

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