In a recent decision (pdf attached at the bottom of this article) issued by His Honour Justice Collins, the High Court in Wellington has found overwhelmingly in favour of Hokotehi Moriori Trust in declining to intervene in the vesting of Taia lands (1,200 hectares on the east coast of Rēkohu) by DOC in accordance with a promise made by the Crown to Moriori 17 years ago. Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Iwi Trust had sought a declaration in the High Court to stop the transfer of land to Moriori on the basis that they held “exclusive mana whenua” over all of the Chathams including Taia and that, conversely, Moriori had none. The decision is important also because it refers favourably to the findings of the Waitangi Tribunal upholding Moriori mana and continuing customary rights by our Karāpuna holding fast to their customary laws of peace in 1835.
It is not yet known if NMOWIT will appeal the decision, but it is hoped that they will not and instead choose to adopt a more conciliatory and positive approach so that both Moriori and Ngāti Mutunga can move forward with mutual respect and for the future benefit of both our peoples and the Island we all love and cherish.
