January 23, 2019
Negotiator steps up at Rangitāne
Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā Trust has refreshed its leadership as it sets to the task of bedding in a $43 million treaty settlement.
Taylor Mihaere, who led the Wairarapa and Tararua iwi through the settlement, has stepped aside along with trustees Mavis Mullins and Mahalia Paewai, and Jason Kerehi has been elected the new chair.
He was a negotiator for the claim and former chief executive of Rangitāne o Wairarapa Incorporated.
Mr Kerehi now works as Wairarapa District Health Board’s executive leader for Māori health.
He says as well as setting up its office, the trust’s immediate goal is cultural revitalisation.
There are some big issues on the horizon such as housing, employment, forestry, tourism and responsible management of the whenua.
The health of waterways in both Wairarapa and Tararua are also important to the iwi.
The Rangitāne Tū Mai Rā settlement included $32 million cash, 4400 hectares of forestry and other commercial and cultural assets.
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