Rangitāne Celebrate Kaumatua Nonagenarians!

Rangitāne Celebrate Kaumatua Nonagenarians!

Tini whetu ki te rangi, ko Rangitāne ki te whenua.
Like the many stars in the sky, so too are Rangitāne on the land.

Rangitāne gathered in September 2016 at Makirikiri Marae, Dannevirke to celebrate six of its very own Kaumatua Nonagenarians (90+ years).

Collectively these kaumatua have witnessed over 554 years. They have seen the challenges of life through the World Wars, the depression and the loss of their whenua. They were also here with us to observe and celebrate the Rangitāne signing of the Deed of Settlement on the 6th August 2016.

Negotiator and Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā Trustee Mavis Mullins said that the signing of the Deed of Settlement was a momentous occasion for the people of Rangitāne o Wairarapa and Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua and that it was made all the more significant and symbolic that our Rangitāne Kaumatua Nonagenarians were there to share in this momentous milestone.

Rangitāne Tamaki Nui a Rua Chairman Henare Kani says “By celebrating these kaumatua our history is also acknowledged. It was a wonderful day to reflect on where we have been and to imagine the pathway ahead, I acknowledge us all today for we are truly the face of our tupuna and our future.”

Statement made by Henare Kani, on behalf of Rangitāne o Tamaki Nui a Rua
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