Since its formation, the Steering Committee for Howick 175 initiatives has had respectful dialogue with tangata whenua, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki (Ngāi Tai).
Meetings have been held with Ngāi Tai and committee leaders and Rev Dr Richard Waugh says the committee fully understands and acknowledges that Maori and the iwi of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki lived on this land before the first European immigrants.
“When the Fencibles arrived on this peninsula in 1847 they were welcomed. The community we now have was grown from a friendly relationship.
“One of the big opportunities we have with this website is we’re going to make it possible for all residents to tell their own stories and that of their families.
“We have had respectful and helpful meetings with the leadership of Ngāi Tai over the past year as we started planning Howick 175.
“Mana whenua wishes us well for our endeavours and there is an invitation for Ngāi Tai to have their stories published on the website.”
Tumu Kaimahi/Chief Executive Officer of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Tama Potaka, who has met and corresponded with committee leaders, has responded with a letter that is published here with permission. Mauriora.
Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki (Ngāi Tai) are the original inhabitants and Iwi of Tāmaki Makaurau. The Iwi is based in Maraetai, Te Waitematā and Tikapa Moana, and exercises mana whenua and mana moana interests across Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. Our main marae is Umupuia at Maraetai, and we have various marae connections across Mātaitai, Whataapaka and beyond. The Iwi has whakapapa and other relationships with Iwi in the Tāmaki Makaurau and Hauraki regions. – https://www.ngaitaitamaki.iwi.nz/
