Our Story
We are Hokotehi Moriori Trust, representing Moriori, a Polynesian people and descendants of Rongomaiwhenua.
Our ancestral home is on the islands of Rēkohu and Rangihaute (Chatham Islands), where our roots remain strong. Today, our community extends beyond these islands, with many Moriori living across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
Based at Kōpinga Marae, we work to promote the cultural, social, and economic wellbeing of Moriori. Our governance includes eight trustees, with three based on Rēkohu and five representing members on mainland New Zealand.
As tchieki (guardians) and waina pono (original inhabitants) of Rēkohu and Rangihaute, we are committed to preserving, safeguarding, and protecting our culture, language, kōimi tchakat (ancestral remains), communities, and the unique biodiversity of our islands. This duty of care reflects our responsibility to the sustainability of these miheke (treasures) for future generations.
We contribute to the economy of our islands through ventures in fishing, farming, forestry, and tourism, while also providing cultural, educational, and social services for our members.
Our philosophy of peace and harmony has guided us through challenges and continues to inspire hope and resilience.
OUR STORYThrough collaboration, sustainability, and respect for our history, we are dedicated to ensuring a thriving future for our people and the communities we serve.
A group of Moriori at Manukau 1877. The photo shows Manukau Point (Ta Ranga-e-Pehe) in the background. The known names are: Wari Tutaki (far left standing), Hirawanu Tapu (second left standing), Teretiu Rehe (third left standing), Rangitapua Horomona Rehe (fourth left standing), Tatua (second right, standing), Piripi (far right). Seated figures are: unidentified person (far left), Rohana (second left), unidentified child, Ngakikingi (middle sitting), Te Tene Rehe (next right), unidentified child and unidentified adult woman. (Alfred Martin Canterbury Museum collection)
Ani Davis (1847-1926). Ani was born on the Auckland Islands but lived most of her life at Hakahaka Bay in the Marlborough area. She later married Wi Hoeta Taituha and settled back on the island with him at Hawaruwaru.
Hirawanu Tapu, also known as Taputehara Maitarawai, was born about 1823 and died in 1900. This photo was taken by Archdeacon Woodthorpe. (Canterbury Museum collection)
Hirawanu Tapu and his wife Rohana 1891. Rohana was taken at a young age as a slave to the Auckland Islands and remained there for 13 years. She and Tapu were finally able to marry in the 1860s. Rohana died 2 years after Tapu in 1902.
Paranihia Heta and Ngaria Riwai with child Pakura Teretiu at Manukau, 1889. (Alexander Turnbull Library, ref. F2508. 1/2).
Riwai Te Ropiha, who married Kiti Karaka.
Tame Horomona Rehe in Christchurch. (Canterbury Museum collection)
Tamihana Heta, was born in 1865 and died in 1934. He was the son of Heta Namu and his first wife Ruta or Rutera. (Alexander Turnbull Library collection)
Tame Horomona Rehe aged 17. (EJ Moffat collection, Canterbury Museum, neg. 11738)
Matene Totara (Peter Buck in Skinner HD 1923)
Kiti Karaka (seated) and her second husband, Joey Ahitana.
Group of Moriori, some holding traditional tupuari. The man standing far left with feathers in his beard is Hirawanu Tapu. Image dated to between 1875-85. (Barker collection, Canterbury Museum, red 206F)
