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April 26, 2022
Sides bury the mouri over Shelly Bay raruraru
Adam Gifford
Posted On April 26, 2022
Members of Taranaki Whānui are edging towards reconciliation, but the occupation of Shelly Bay could continue into winter.
Protest group Mau Whenua along with Port Nicholson Block Settle Trust board members and other uri held a ceremony on the site on Saturday to lay a mouri stone as part of what was described as a healing and unification process for the iwi.
Mau Whenua leader Dr Catherine Love says it sets the foundation for a positive future, with the shared kaupapa of rangatiratanga through holding land for future generations.
Trust chair Kara Puketapu-Dentice said the whakatō mouri ceremony was about settling the whenua and healing the iwi.
He says trustees acknowledge the past raruraru and have committed to more meaningful and regular engagement with uri.
Mau Whenua will continue its court action against the sale of the land to developer The Wellington Company.
The trust bought the former defence base with the bulk of its settlement cash but did not have the resources to develop it or hold it.
