Watch the #LandBack - Visions and Realities Recording
With widespread private ownership of whenua that has been unjustly alienated from te iwi Māori, the vision of individuals and organisations returning land to hapū and iwi to help restore Tiriti relationships has gained traction among Tangata Tiriti. But the concrete realities of land restoration processes are often complex and can take many years.
What can we learn from a range of recent and successful ‘land back’ projects?
This wānanga brings together case studies of land repatriation from churches and community landowners to bring light to the range of ways that land return can occur in partnership with hapū and iwi. Through kōrero from those directly involved in the process of returning whenua, we’ll reflect on the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the deep spiritual and cultural significance of whenua restoration for Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti alike.
Organised by Tauiwi mō Matike Mai and Common Grace Aotearoa.
NB: This event was aimed at spotlighting how Tangata Tiriti individuals and institutions can contribute to private land return to Māori, and acknowledges the many ways hapū and iwi are leading land back efforts using their own asset base and through negotiation with the Crown.
Guest Speakers:
Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon - sharing about the return of land at Rangiaowhia by the Anglican Church in conversation with mana whenua representatives from Ngāti Apakura
Rev Dr Wayne Te Kaawa (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa and Tuhoe) - sharing about the return of land at Maungapōhatu by the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
Rev Dr Arapera Ngaha (Ngai-Tūteauru, Ngāti Hine of Ngāpuhi, and Ngāti Whakaue of Te Arawa) - sharing case studies from Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, the Methodist Church of New Zealand
Sisters of Compassion - sharing case studies from Te Hāhi Katorika ki Aotearoa, the Catholic Church in New Zealand.