Around 300 Māori leaders are gathering at Omāhu near Hastings to discuss a proposal for a new pan-Māori assembly. This assembly aims to create a unified response to government challenges.
The hui, named Wānanga-ā-Motu, continues from a series of meetings that began last January, initiated by the late Kiingi Tuheitia to encourage Māori unity. A significant hui in May, hosted by Ngāti Kahungunu at Omāhu, drew about 3500 attendees.
From this May hui, a working group proposed Te Whare o te Rangatiratanga, a model to advance Māori aspirations and address government challenges. This model consists of three parts: an assembly of iwi, hapū, and other Māori groups; the Crown and Parliament; and a joint deliberative body.
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi and Kahukuranui Whare are once again hosting Iwi leaders. Chair Bayden Barber emphasises the importance of discussing Te Whare o te Rangatiratanga. He notes that this gathering is an opportunity to refine the proposal, which will be presented and examined by the motu. Barber stresses that any future solution must have the support of the Māori people.
