Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa express support for Waitangi Tribunal ruling on Motiti Island

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa express support for Waitangi Tribunal ruling on Motiti Island


Te Runanga o Ngāti Awa (Ngāti Awa) are delighted with the findings of a Waitangi Tribunal report released this week, that recognises that Te Patuwai and Te Whānau a Tauwhao aretangata whenua of Motiti Island and that Te Patuwai affiliates to Ngāti Awa.

Ngāti Awa have supported the Te Patuwai Tribal Committee in a dispute over which group is the rightful and legal mana whenua of Motiti Island. The dispute was lodged with the Waitangi Tribunal in 2018.

Speaking on the report Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa Tumuaki (Chairman) Joe Harawira said:

“The report acknowledges the strong links through whakapapa and occupation that Te Patuwai and Te Whānau a Tauwhao have to Motiti.
“As the rightful stewards of the island we offer our support to them should they need our help in decisions about the future of the island.”

We remember and acknowledge the unwavering contributions of Meremaihi Williams and PutiKoopu, we mourn their loss.


For more information please contact Bianca Ruakere on 021 453 189.

To read the full report please refer to the Waitangi Tribunal website.

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