Wānanga Reflects on Iwi Settlement

Ngāti Awa iwi marked the 20th anniversary of the Ngāti Awa Claims Settlement Act 2005, alongside the 150th anniversary of Mataatua Wharenui, with E Tū Nei Au— a commemoration held yesterday at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae in Whakatāne. 

Following the pōhiri, a Pae Kōrero (panel discussion) took place with Ngāti Awa uri (descendants) who were instrumental in the settlement negotiations. Kaikōrero (speakers), including Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Council Chairperson the Hon. Justice Layne Harvey, provided a historical overview of the iwi’s redress journey, which began in 1867. 

“The 20th anniversary of our settlement is a moment of reflection, not just on the redress itself, but on the resilience of our people and the long road travelled to help restore the mana of the iwi and its hapū. It also reminds us that our work is far from done.” 

Awanuiārangi founder, Distinguished Professor Tā Hirini Moko Mead, the claim manager and chief negotiator, as well as chairman of both the Rūnanga and the Wānanga at the time, was the final speaker on the panel. When asked, “How does one find the strength and perseverance to lead the Ngāti Awa Settlement, with all its ups and downs?” he simply replied, “Because I love my iwi.” 

The day concluded with the debut performance of The Journey of Mataatua Whare, a composition by Dame Gillian Whitehead, brought to life by the Opus Orchestra.  

Established in 1992, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi was a bold expression of Ngāti Awa mana motuhake. Though it preceded the Ngāti Awa Claims Settlement Act 2005, both were driven by the same vision. Reflecting on this, Justice Layne Harvey says,  

“Awanuiārangi and the Ngāti Awa Settlement represent different expressions of the same purpose, part of the gradual restoration of our mana motuhake and the advancement of our people.” 

The Deed of Settlement, signed in 2003, brought with it resources and recognition, enabling Ngāti Awa to start rebuilding.  

“The Settlement provided a foundation to rebuild and reimagine our future on our own terms. It enabled Ngāti Awa to return to our waahi tapu, our places of significance once more by restoring our role as custodians, and to take steps over succeeding generations to start to reinvest in the cultural, social, and economic wellbeing of the iwi.” 

In the 20 years since settlement, Ngāti Awa has strengthened its institutions, economy, and leadership. At the same time, Awanuiārangi has grown into a national and international centre for indigenous scholarship, serving not only Ngāti Awa but also Māori, Pasifika, global indigenous peoples, and wider communities.