‘E rere kau mai te awa nui mai te Kahui Maunga ki Tangaroa, ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au.’
On 5 August 2014, at Ruakā Marae in Rānana, the Crown and Whanganui Iwi signed Ruruku Whakatupua, the deed of settlement for the Whanganui River. Ruruku Whakatupua has two parts - Te Mana o Te Awa Tupua and Te Mana o Te Iwi o Whanganui – which together give legal recognition to Te Awa Tupua, establish a new legal framework for the Whanganui River (Te Pā Auroa nā Te Awa Tupua), and provide redress in settlement of the historical Treaty of Waitangi claims of Whanganui Iwi in relation to the Whanganui River.
Ruruku Whakatupua was the culmination of well over a century’s effort by the Iwi to protect and provide for our special relationship with the Whanganui River in the face of adverse acts by the Crown and its agents. The signing of Ruruku Whakatupua was a momentous day for the Iwi; signalling the Crown’s recognition for the first time of both the Whanganui River as an indivisible and metaphysical whole and the inalienable relationship between the iwi and hapū of Whanganui and Te Awa Tupua.
The settlement legislation giving effect to the Whanganui River Settlement will repeal the Whanganui River Māori Trust Board Act and effect the final transfer of assets. This legislation will be enacted in 2016. Until such time the Trust Board is working together with the office of Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui on a transition plan. As more is known, details will be communicated to the Iwi.
The Trustees continue to be responsible for and meet their legal obligations under the Trust Boards Act. Until such time as enactment all enquires directly pertaining to the Whanganui River Māori Trust can directed to the Board Secretary Beryl Millar by email wrmtb@wrmtb.co.nz or 021 115 1256. For specific information pertaining to the Whanganui River Settlement go to www.ngatangatatiaki.co.nz
It is becoming increasingly important that we as Whanganui stay connected no matter how far away we may be.
Every person who is a descendent of Whanganui Nui tonu has the right to know who they are and where they come from.
The Trust Board will do its best to try and help you with Whakapapa however you can also try the following as starting points in your journey
Other ways to stay in touch with Whanganui are:
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