Ngaiterangi Database More Than Doubles

Response to Ngaiterangi iwi's registration programme has exceeded expectations, but there are still plenty of people who aren't on the database.

Four weeks ago Ngaiterangi launched 'Oho Ake', which means 'awaken' - their drive to put together a formal whakapapa database.

Chief executive Brian Dickson says while the response has been overwhelming, there are still a huge number of people who haven't registered with the iwi.

"Some of us live and breathe our whakapapa - but in these modern times it has become important for us to have an electronic database verifying this."

Dickson views the growing database as an iwi networking system.

"There will be many advantages of having a comprehensive database, such as advising registered iwi members of any scholarships or grants available, informing of important hui (meetings) and other issues that are relevant to them."

Registrations have been flooding in from all over New Zealand, with many people spreading the word within their whanau. Ngaiterangi have even received inquiries from descendants living in Australia and America.

To get yourself on the database, check out http://www.ngaiterangi.org.nz email ohoake@ngaiterangi.org.nz,

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