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June 12, 2023
Te Waipounamu connection to Waitangi celebrated
Adam Gifford
Posted On June 12, 2023
The Waitangi National Trust is holding its quarterly board meeting in Otautahi today rather than Waitangi.
Chair Pita Tipene says it’s to acknowledge that it’s the last meeting for former MP Kate Wilkinson, who has served for nine years as the representative of the people, Pākeha and Māori, living in the South Island.
He says the people of Te Waipouamu have had a strong and enduring connection to the Waitangi National Trust since its inception, including the gift of the carved chair by Ngai Tahu to Lord Bledisloe in Picton in January 1934 in recognition of the then-Governor General’s gift of the Waitangi Estate to the nation.
The special chair is now proudly displayed in Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi.
The carved chair was the focus of meeting discussions with Ngai Tahu who included Sir Tipene O’Regan and the chair of Ngai Tahu, Lisa Tumahai.
The Waitangi National Trust Board, established by the Waitangi National Trust Board Act (1932), includes descendants of key people involved with the first signing of Te Tiriti at Waitangi in 1840, as well as representatives of all geographical regions of New Zealand.
Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term and can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. Trustees are entirely voluntary and receive no remuneration for their service.
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