ras2012
ras2012
Joined: January 16, 2011
Posts: 27
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Posted: Post subject: History of Waikato-Tainui people (Iwi) and Te Kiingitanga |
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The Waikato Raupatu Claim began with the formation of the Kiingitanga in 1858.
The Kiingitanga was a movement to create a Maaori nation under a Maaori king. After consultation among tribes around Aotearoa, Waikato chief Pootatau Te Wherowhero became the first Maaori king.
Advances by the British government to gain control over land in the fertile Waikato, were becoming extremely hostile. Pootatau, like many chiefs of that time, believed that unity under the umbrella of the Kiingitanga, would protect Maaori ownership of their lands, would prevent further loss of land to European settlers, and would encourage others not to cede sovereignty to the British government.
Pootatau died in 1860 and was succeeded by his son, Matutaera Tawhiao - more commonly known as Kiingi Taawhiao. Taawhiao's reign was to last for 34 years and it is said he held his kingship through the most turbulent era of Maaori-European relations.
Three years into Taawhiao's office, the New Zealand Settlements Act 1863 was passed which provided for military settlements to be established on confiscated land. Following enactment, British troops crossed the Mangataawhiri River, advanced on the Waikato region and provoked war. The people of Waikato were unjustly branded as rebels and in 1865, more than 1.2 million acres of Waikato land was confiscated.
This act of confiscation became known to Waikato-Tainui as "Raupatu".
The war and confiscation of lands caused heavy economic, social and cultural damage to Waikato-Tainui. Taawhiao and his people were rendered virtually landless and forced to retreat into the heartland of Ngaati Maniapoto. For 20 years, Waikato were exiled to the King Country and when they returned to their homes, there was a new political and legal order in place.
The search for redress and justice for raupatu spans more than 120 years: beginning in 1884 with Kiingi Taawhiao leading a deputation to England to seek an audience with Queen Victoria; in 1995 a Deed of Settlement signed by Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu; and today, the Waikato River Deed of Settlement in 2008/2009, and outstanding claims to West Coast Harbours, Wairoa and Maioro land blocks.
The history of Waikato-Tainui is recorded in more detail in the online Dictionary of New Zealand Biography and in Te Ara, the Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
Events and Links to Resources
Ngaa tohu whakahirahira - extract from Waikato-Tainui Maaori Trust Board Annual Report 1999.
1858 - Pootatau Te Wherowhero, a new Maaori King. Kiingitanga movement established.
1860 - Kiingi Taawhiao, 2nd Maaori King. 1884 - deputation to England. 1885 - Poukai established. 1889 - creation of Te Kauhanganui.
1894 - Kiingi Mahuta, 3rd Maaori King. 1903 - appointment to NZ Legislative Council and NZ Executive Council.
1912 - Kiingi Te Rata, 4th Maaori King. 1914 - audience with King George V and Queen Mary. 1919 - Kiingitanga parliament building, Tuurangawaewae House. Tuurangawaewae Marae established. 1931-2 Te Puea's land development schemes.
1933 - Kiingi Koroki, 5th Maaori King. 1946 - Waikato-Tainui Maaori Trust Board established. 1953 - Queen Elizabeth II at Tuurangawaewae Marae.
1966 - Kuiini Dame Te Atairangikaahu, 6th Maaori monarch. 1995 - Waikato Raupatu Claim Deed of Settlement. Waikato Raupatu Settlement Act 1995. Waikato-Tainui corporate structures established.
2006 - Kiingi Tuheitia, 7th Maaori monarch.
Progress with the Waikato River Claim: An Agreement In Principle signed with the Crown 16 December 2007. Waikato River Claim Deed of Settlement signed 22 August 2008. Third and Final Reading May 2010.
Ariki (Chief) Hotu Wai Ariki of the Ngati Parekawaa Hapuu, an up-coming aspiring Iwi leader and hopeful next Maori Kingi, keeper of the faith and protector of the righteous cause.
Haa Ratawharia a IO... |
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