Ngāti Parewahawaha marae near Bulls, which used to be surrounded by forest and wetlands, is now surrounded by farmland. Iwi lost the use of land that could provide food, firewood and medicine after wetlands and forests were destroyed in the name of a growing European economy, a Waitangi Tribunal has heard. Emery argued not only was native land destroyed for the profit of farmers, but that same destruction of food, medical and construction resources forced Māori to be reliant on the European economy. The confederation of Ngāti Raukawa iwi, which included Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Parewahawaha and Nga Iwi o Te Reureu, said this meant for decades, mana whenua’s needs had not been met. Robyn Richardson, of Ngāti Parewahawaha, said changes to the landscape meant multiple marae along the Rangitīkei River had been wiped out, displacing many Māori.

Source: Stuff July 13, 2021 07:30 UTC