Final Reading: A Historic Moment in Our Journey

Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill Final Reading

A historic moment unfolded in Parliament as the final reading of the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill was completed, marking a pivotal milestone in our iwi’s journey towards healing and justice. This occasion was witnessed by the uri of Uenuku, Tamahaki, and Tamakana, who gathered to celebrate decades of perseverance.

For the kaumātua and trustees of the Uenuku Charitable Trust, the day was both a celebration and a moment of reflection. Their years of hard work to secure the settlement had come to fruition, signalling the start of a new chapter under the leadership of the PSGE - Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Trust.

The third reading in Parliament was not merely a legislative formality; it was a profound moment of unity for our three iwi. As the reading concluded, we stood together in the public gallery and sang "Maranga Mai, Uenuku Rise Up." Holding photos of tūpuna who could not be there to witness this moment, we honoured their memory and carried their spirit in this powerful act of collective strength.

Missy Edmonds pictured in a bus hired by Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Trust to transport uri to Whanganui-a-Tara.

The journey to Parliament began the evening before at Pipitea Marae in Wellington, where whānau gathered for waiata and whakawhanaungatanga. Some travelled by bus, courtesy of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Trust, while others came by car. The following morning, while the second reading was taking place at Parliament, a mihi whakatau ceremony was held at the Public Trust Hall, led by Paora Haitana. 

During the second reading, Hon Peeni Henare of the Labour Party expressed concern over the timing of the mihi whakatau, which had been scheduled by the Crown to coincide with the reading in Parliament. He stated, “I want to stand in the second reading - and I'm glad the Minister is here - to express my dismay at the way the process was run this morning.”

Henare concluded by calling for future settlement bills to be scheduled to ensure full and inclusive participation from affected communities, highlighting that the House has control over the process and must better accommodate whānau who travel to be part of these important discussions.

During the third reading Green Party MP Hūhana Lyndon commended us for our patience and grace. 

Aiden Gilbert acknowledged the whānau who made the journey to Parliament, making this milestone an occasion to remember. “Hei aha te mea nui ... he tangata, he tangata, he tangata," he said, honouring the significance of people in this historic moment.

Aiden reflected on the third reading, saying he was moved by the words of Rt. Hon. Adrian Rurawhe, who spoke about the enduring strength and leadership of our iwi and how the tireless efforts of our tūpuna had led us to this moment. As a whanaunga, Rurawhe’s words resonated, as he reminded us that, while we must acknowledge the breaches of the past, we must also look ahead to a better future. He said:

"But let me tell you, in this bill, there's an apology. I always say that apologies are only worth anything if the perpetrator never again perpetrates. While we are passing this bill in its third reading, there are other actions that this House is considering, which will directly impact all three iwi in this settlement. So I take it with a little bit of a grain of salt when someone says, ‘move on,’ probably because I'm a whanaunga of yours. When I hear that, I’m not hearing it as a member across the House; I’m hearing it as an uri, and I’m considering it in that context. I challenge this House to never again trample on the mana of these iwi, and when the other bills return to the House, I hope that they take that on board. I want to speak directly to the next generations. Your mātua, your koroua, and your kuia have done this for you today. They have done the best they could within this system. One day, in the future, I know you will return to this House. You have an obligation to do so. Don’t look at it as trampling on the mana of what your mātua and tūpuna have done. Look at it as challenging whether relativity to other claims has been achieved, and whether this is truly full and final, because it can only be assessed as such once all settlements are completed."

After the third reading, whānau gathered on the steps of Parliament for a photo to mark this historic moment. We then felt it was only fitting to take the whānau to the site of one of our pivotal battles, Battle Hill. There, we reflected on the history of our tūpuna who fought against colonial oppression. This visit was made even more meaningful when Missy Edmonds laid a wreath in honour of their memory. Though Battle Hill did not result in a clear victory, it remains a powerful symbol of Māori resistance.

The journey continued with a visit to Matau Marae in Poroutawhao, Levin, where we spent the night for kai, reflection, and rest. Throughout this journey, we showed the resilience that has defined us throughout the long negotiation process.

While this settlement is a significant step forward, as Rurawhe reminded us, its true fulfilment rests with the next generation. It is now up to them to ensure the Crown remains true to its obligations, and that the promises made are fully realised.

“Hei aha te mea nui ... he tangata, he tangata, he tangata.” Aiden Gilbert