October 05, 2021
PRESS RELEASE: Erebus Memorial ki Taurarua
E ngā uri o Tuperiri
We have recently been advised that the Ministry of Culture and Heritage intends beginning preparatory works at the Dove Myer Robinson Park in Parnell to build the National Memorial for the 1979 Erebus disaster in which 257 people lost their lives.
The Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust in consultation with our Manukura Taumata Kaumātua over a number of years, has supported the building of this monument in our heartland as an expression of our manaakitanga and civic duty as those descended from Apihai Te Kawau who gifted central Tāmaki Makaurau to Governor Hobson to establish our city.
We have every confidence that the Pōhutukawa tree will not be damaged and that archaeological matters, if any, will be managed appropriately and directly with us as the mana whenua and ahi kā iwi for that site.
We are disappointed that those who have stopped the memorial to date have not resolved their concerns with Government and that all our offers to mediate were not taken up.
We also want to make it clear that the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei hapū has not laid a rāhui (cultural restriction) on the site, though some individuals from various iwi may have. Only the mana whenua iwi through its Manukura Taumata Kaumātua and hapū cultural experts supported by the leadership of the hapū, can establish such deeply meaningful cultural practices. This has not happened.
We are aware that those stopping the Erebus memorial in Parnell are calling on whānau and supporters to gather at the site whilst our city is in lockdown. The safety of our whānau is of utmost concern to us and we urge all whānau to protect themselves and not attend any unauthorised gatherings. We have all done so well to keep our papakāinga safe and free from covid-19 and do not want to jeopardise that.
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