Our Journey
Ko Wai Mātou
Te Korowai o Wainuiārua represents the descendants of our tūpuna Uenuku, Tamahaki, and Tamakana. Bound by whakapapa, whenua, and shared history, we are united by a collective responsibility to uphold the legacy of those who came before us and to create opportunities for those yet to come.
Our rohe stretches across the forests, rivers, valleys, and mountains of central Te Ika-a-Māui, encompassing lands that have sustained our people for generations. These landscapes are more than places on a map—they are the living expression of our identity, culture, and connection to the natural world.
The Legacy of Our Tūpuna
For centuries our people flourished throughout this whenua.
Our tūpuna cultivated the land, harvested from the forests, fished the waterways, and maintained a deep relationship with the environment guided by tikanga, mātauranga, and collective responsibility. The wellbeing of our people was inseparable from the wellbeing of the whenua.
A History of Resilience
Like many iwi throughout Aotearoa, our people experienced significant challenges as a result of Crown actions that impacted our lands, resources, and ability to exercise rangatiratanga.
Despite these hardships, our people never lost sight of who we are.
Our kaumātua, whānau, and leaders carried forward our whakapapa, protected our identity, and continued to advocate for justice, recognition, and the restoration of our rights and responsibilities. Their perseverance laid the foundation for the future we are now building.
Te Tihi o te Rae – A New Beginning
The signing of Te Tihi o te Rae marked a significant milestone in our collective journey.
More than a settlement, it represents the recognition of our history and provides a foundation for renewal, restoration, and intergenerational development. Through years of dedication, negotiation, and commitment from our people, a pathway was created to support the aspirations of present and future generations.
Settlement was not the end of our journey. It was the beginning of a new chapter.