June 06, 2023
Parata putting the Ngāti into Nāti
Māoridom’s newest knight says it’s been an honour to work to raise up his iwi.
Te Runanganui o Ngai Porou and Te Matatini chair Selywn Parata was made a Knight Companion of the Order of New Zealand for his services to Māori.
Citing a roll call of the Ngati Porou leaders of the past 50 years, he says his thoughts went to the pakeke who instilled in him the value of service and selfness and of continuing to listen and learn.
“I’ve enjoyed instilling the Ngāti into the Nāti, whakapapa-wise, language-wise, and reconnecting Natis living away from their home with their families looking after the homeland. I’ve been involved in helping Ngati Porou with our treaty claim, the takutai moana Nga Rohe Moana o Nga Hapu o Ngāti Porou Act, and basically encouraging people o be good to each other,” Sir Selwyn says.
He says Ngati Porou is the most dispersed iwi in the country, but they all hail back to lofty mount Hikurangi and the mighty Waiapu River