Chapters

The Origins of Te Kaahui o Rauru

The Chapters

Explore the chapters of The Origins of Te Kaahui o Rauru.

Each unique episode represents an important milestone for Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi.

Stylised drawing of mother looking over a baby in a bassinet

Chapter 1

The Emergence of a Paramount Chief, Rauru

Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi emanated from the Gods, from the legion of spirits, from Te Kaahui Rere, and the genealogies of the mortal elders.

They are a progeny of both ‘divine and human parentage’.

Bush scene with hills in the background

Chapter 2

Rauru Goes Before But The Land Remains

In 1840, the estate of Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi spanned 520,000 acres. Land, forests, rivers, seabeds - from the Paatea river to Te Kaihau a-Kupe, and north to Matemateaaonga.

Men paddling a waka on the ocean

Chapter 3

The People Are Our Wealth

“The Waitootara County Council told us we could no longer camp at Waikaramihi and the old people said, ‘we want you to go to Wellington and find out what's going on.’”

- Pootonga Neilson, Inaugural Chairperson, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi Iwi Authority

Close-up image of a hand on a walking stick with buildings in the background

Chapter 4

Inside The Belly Of Tuutaeporoporo

For the small group who spearheaded the settlement, it was clear from the outset the process would not bring about justice. It could, however, provide a pathway for development for the future.

Inside the Debating Chamber with wooden desks and paneling and green carpet and seats

Chapter 5

The People Have Spoken

On the 23rd November 2003, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi signed their Deed of Settlement with the Crown.

Crown Redress included:
● $31 million;
● the transfer of five sites of significance totalling approximately 143 hectares;
● a 50-year right of first refusal to buy, at full market value, certain Crown-owned land in the area;
● and a formal apology from the Crown

Group of kayaks and kayakers gathered on side of a river

Chapter 6

Rangatahi, Rise Up!

The Deed of Settlement defines Ngaa Rauru Kiitahitanga as, ‘those values, rights, and responsibilities that Nga Rauru Kiitahi hold according to custom, including those values, rights, and responsibilities recognised by the Treaty of Waitangi.’

Top of mountain against the sky with other mountains in background

Chapter 7

Taranaki Maunga: Redress

After more than 150 years, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, alongside other Taranaki iwi hapuu, are finally able to settle their treaty grievances relating to the confiscation of their sacred mountains, Taranaki Maunga.

A child and woman making mountain shapes with their hands.

Chapter 8

Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi Thriving and Excelling Across Generations

Today, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi has a population of just over 5,500 descendants.

They connect to 12 marae and 14 hapuu throughout the Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi region.