May 26, 2017
Apology sets scene for Parihaka future
The chair of the Parihaka Papakainga Trust says the historic Taranaki community needs to make the most of the apology it will receive from the Crown.
Puna Wano Bryant says until it is delivered by Attorney General Christopher Finlayson at the Pa on June 9 the community doesn’t want to talk about the terms of the apology, which relates to efforts by the crown to suppress opposition to colonialism led by prophets Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi.
It comes with $9 million to fix up buildings, roads and water supplies at the village but Ms Bryant says the apology is the spiritual heart of the package.
"I have lots of thoughts about you know the different apologies that have occurred around the motu and tangata whenua's response to that but for us as a people we really need to take back the loss and the pain and no longer use it as an excuse to hold ourselves back, we really need to make the most of that apology", says Puna.
The package also includes new relationships with government agencies and local bodies.
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