Tēnā koutou Ngāti Rangitihi whānui,
What a year it’s been, and what an end to the year. We signed our Deed of Settlement with the Crown on 5 December, the culmination of many, many years of hard work by our people, our negotiators, Trustees and our tūpuna before us.
If you were unable to attend the signing ceremony, we have put together a highlights video for whānau, as well as a video of the pōwhiri and speeches on the day. Click here to view the videos.
We were able to reach this milestone thanks to the 91.79% of iwi members who voted, saying ‘yes’ to the Deed of Settlement package that had been negotiated for Ngāti Rangitihi. This was huge for us.
It is great to end 2020 on such a high note, especially after the incredibly tumultuous year that has been.
COVID-19 posed a great many challenges, but together with the Charitable Trust, we were able to offer support to Ngāti Rangitihi whānau where we could, especially those vulnerable and at risk, including our kaumātua. I thank everyone who assisted us with our COVID-19 response efforts.
My hope is that the New Year brings with it more good news, and that our whānau continue to get involved in our haerenga.
I look forward to 2021, when we move into a new era of our settlement journey: the post-settlement era. This will include having our settlement pass through Parliament to become law, and the election of new Trustees for Te Mana.
I thank you for your continued support. It is a privilege to serve you as your Chairman.
Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou!
Leith Comer
Chairman – Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust
Lead Negotiator – Ngāti Rangitihi Treaty Settlement Negotiations
Rangitihi Story (PDF)