Rangi Marie Hunia
Of the Ngati Whatua o Orakei Iwi

• Batchelor of Commerce (Auckland University)
• Currently writing masters thesis
• Chief Education Officer – Ngati Whatua

A Quick History
In 1740 Ngati Whatua migrated south from Kaipara to Tamaki (Auckland) and established their long standing Manawhenua. This establishment was of their own political economy, the conquest of land then the occupation and defence of that land. “Back in the day people were always trying to migrate to Tamaki”, the reason being its geographical advantages. One Tree Hill was the Pa site in Tamaki. The rationale for this was that from the Pa site on One Tree Hill it was possible to view both major harbours and enemies coming from the east and west. This positioning was important for battles as the occupants could view an enemy attack from any direction. One Tree Hill is of huge significance in Maori history.

Partnership agreements with the Crown began in 1840. These lead to the gifting of 3000 acres northeast from Mt. Eden that is today’s Auckland CBD. Maori chiefs believed the Treaty of Waitangi to be quintessential in obtaining health care, education and the ability to increase trade with the Europeans. The gift of 3000 acres was followed by a second good faith gift of 8000 acres in 1841. By the late 1840’s the Ngati Whatua had been practically stripped of all their land and were rendered virtually landless, their only settlement being that in Orakei. This remains today and is a 700 acre area on the Bastion Point peninsula. From 1912-1950 the Crown continued its regime of land acquisition through “law”. In 1951 Ngati Whatua were evicted from their papakainga (homes) and their homes were burnt to the ground. Prime Minister Muldoon wanted to use the land at Bastion Point for state housing provoking a famous protest by the Ngati Whatua which lasted more than 500 days. Following this protest the crown negotiated with Ngati Whatua and the result was the 1978 Orakei (vesting and use) Block Act, this granted Ngati Whatua 700 acres around Bastion Point that they occupy to this day upon which is the Marae we visited, Ngati Whatua o Orakei.

Outlook – Ngati Whatua
Ngati Whatua currently have developments in the form of a retirement village, a view to achieving higher education, maintaining sustainable use of their parks for all public. Business interests include 60ha of prime real estate in central Tamaki currently undergoing development.

Food for Thought
Ngati Whatua base their lives around six principles, these principles influence everything they do, from business to their own personal interests.

• Rangatiratanga – Being Manawhenua, having our customary rights and responsibilities.
• Manaakitanga – Guardianship of the ability to practise their customs.
• Kaitiakitanga – Guardianship/custodianship of their tribal land.
• Kotahitanga – Bringing people together
• Wairuatanga – The right to practice spirituality.
• Ahi Kaa – “Fires that burn”. We must continue to tell our story.

Quote
“What is important to us is mana (prestige) and to be able to manaaki (host)”

Contributed by: Michael Aldwell and Samantha Kattan

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