November 22, 2012
Ngāti Rehia taking over Kerikeri attraction
Ngāti Rehia is getting ready to re-establish a Māori presence at the Kerikeri Basin.
It’s picking up the lease of Rewa's Village on December the first.
Spokesperson Norah Rameka says the land will remain in Department of Conservation ownership, but the transfer of the lease from the Society for the Preservation of the Stone Store Area is a significant step for the hapū.
The replica pre-European Māori fishing kainga on the spot occupied by the 19th century chief was built 40 years ago after the society had successfully lobbied the government to buy the land around the basis to stop a subdivision.
It has been managed by volunteers, but Chairperson Yvonne Robinson says many of the society’s members are past working age.
Mrs Rameka says the village needs some sprucing up, and it could also provide training and work opportunities for hapū members.
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