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As the first tribe to settle its Treaty of Waitangi claim
we took responsibility to be trailblazers for those who
would follow. The process of negotiation, terms of
our settlement, spirit within which the settlement was
reached, and partnership forged with the New Zealand
Government are the legacy Waikato-Tainui is privileged
to have led and left.
Now, two decades later, we can demonstrate to all
– and especially to our tuupuna – that the dreams
they had for our iwi are being fulfilled. We may have
been a greenfield proposition 20 years ago with no
template to follow, we may have encountered many
challenges, and there may still be much more work to
do, but we are on a pathway that has brought and will
undoubtedly continue to bring success.
In this section we document the development that
has occurred since 1995. This is the result of tireless
work by former and current leaders, management
and staff who gave generously of their time, skills and
commitment to driving positive change. It is also a
tribute to our members especially our kaumaatua,
who grasped the opportunities presented to build
positive lives.
The settlement inspired a new confidence and gave
us the tools to create an innovative and sustainable
future. In 2015 we stand proudly as a people who
faced down the wrongs of the past, sought justice and
resolution, and emerged resilient and determined to
go on and build a prosperous future
Ki te kotahi te kaakaho ka whati, ki te kaapuia, e kore
e whati.
This year, as we mark the 20th anniversary of our Raupatu settlement,
we have the opportunity to reflect on the benefits the settlement has
brought and the progress made in tribal development.
years
of development
Parekawhia McLean
CEO, Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust
Rahui Papa
Chairman, Te Arataura
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