A new chapter has started for Parihaka with the signing of Kawenata-ō-Rongo (Deed of Reconciliation) and Te Huanga ō Rongo (Relationship Agreement) between the village and Crown agencies and local authorities including the Taranaki Regional Council.
Council Chairman David MacLeod signs the Agreement at Parihaka.
“I'm pleased that the Taranaki Regional Council can play a part in this new beginning for Parihaka,” says the Council Chairman, David MacLeod. “It’s a place of great significance, not just for Taranaki but for the whole country.”
Under Te Huanga ō Rongo, Councils and Crown agencies are committed to assisting the Parihaka Papakainga Trust with its development aspirations and projects.
The Deed and Agreement arise out of Treaty settlements with the iwi of Taranaki, in which the Crown acknowledged the serious damage that it inflicted by its past actions at Parihaka and that its actions breached the Treaty of Waitangi. This acknowledgement was delivered in person by the Treaty Negotiations Minister, Hon Christopher Finlayson, at the reconciliation ceremony where the Deed and Agreement were signed.
“Mr Finlayson delivered a very well-worded apology on behalf of the Crown that clearly articulated the wrongdoings of the past and the wish to help Parihaka move forward,” says Mr MacLeod.
“I found the occasion very emotional and I was struck by the large attendance of both pakeha and Maori from all over New Zealand, not just Taranaki.”
Parihaka’s special place in the nation’s history arises from the wisdom, leadership and charisma of Tohu Kākahi and Te Whiti-o-Rongomai, who from the 1860s onwards led a movement of non-violent resistance to the forced settlement of Taranaki lands. They created a community based on principles of equality, collectivism, self-sufficiency, empowerment, non-violent conflict resolution, sustainability and innovation. These principles continue to guide the Parihaka community.
Under Te Huanga ō Rongo, the Taranaki Regional Council will offer advice or assistance in a number of areas including riparian management, biodiversity planning, pest management, water quality monitoring, resource consenting information, waste management, public transport and communications.
See www.bit.ly/ParihakaDeed(external link).
RECOUNT — Taranaki Regional Council's quarterly newsletter
Issue 105, June 2017