3rd Anniversary | Whakaari Memorial

3rd Anniversary | Whakaari Memorial

December 9 marks the third anniversary of the Whakaari tragedy in which 22 people lost their lives and many more were injured. As this day approaches, we remember with love those that were lost and pray for those that survived.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa will join with others in our community to pay tribute to the victims in remembering them at two events on December 9.

The first will be a dawn ceremony commencing at 5am at the Te Hau Tutua memorial. The second commemoration will take place at Te Mānuka Tūatahi marae at 12.30pm starting with a powhiri and light refreshments at 1pm.

At approximately 1.45 guests will be welcomed to join us in the wharenui and a minute’s silence will be observed at 2.11pm. This event is expected to close around 3pm. Both of these events are open to the public.


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

MEDIA RELEASE: Opihi Whanaungakore – Hearing Adjourned

Opihi Whanaungakore – hearing adjourned to allow more time for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, the Opihi Whanaungakore Trustees and Ngāi Taiwhakaea to protect the entirety of the Site


An adjournment has been granted by the Environment Court to postpone the hearing that was due to take place next week on 5th – 7th of December 2022 to appeal the granting of an archaeological authority to MMS GP Ltd (the Developer) to develop a residential complex, being a retirement village at 77 Bunyan road.


The adjournment, sought by the Developer, is to allow further time for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, the Opihi Whanaungakore Trustees and Ngāi Taiwhakaea to engage in discussions with the Developer to resolve the matter without the need for further litigation.


Any resolution would need to be one that addresses the significant concerns that have been raised around the impact of the development on the sacred burial grounds of Opihi Whanaungakore. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Taiwhakaea and the Opihi Whanaungakore Trustees are united that any resolution must protect the entirety of the proposed development Site.


Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Taiwhakaea and the Opihi Whanaungakore Trustees acknowledge those kaitiaki and descendants of Awanuiārangi, in particular te hunga rangatahi o Ngāti Awa, who put the call out and had intended to peacefully protest at the hearing. Your voice has been heard around the motu, and the world, and has assisted in providing this space for us to have further discussions and attempt to protect the entirety of the Site for future generations.


Te Kākahoroa tū taratahi
ka whati i te hau,
Te Kākahoroa tū pāhekoheko
e kore e whati


The Toetoe that stands in isolation
will be destroyed by the elements with ease,
however, the Toetoe that grows in mass
will with-stand the winds destructive forces.