The confirmed date from the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Settlements, the Honorable Christopher Finlayson for the signing of our Agreement in Principle (AIP) was, 3:30pm on the 19th December 2013 in Wellington.

Buses departed from Napier, Pukemokimoki Marae, and the Nimons Bus depot in Whakatu, Hastings.

Beverley Kemp‐Harmer and Tania Huata coordinated the buses and travel arrangements for the whanau that took part in that significant day in the history of our people.

The confirmed date from the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Settlements, the Honorable Christopher Finlayson for the signing of our Agreement in Principle (AIP) was, 3:30pm on the 19th December 2013 in Wellington.

The Ahuriri Hapū Claims Settlement Act 2021 and Deed of Settlement established a new joint committee called Te Komiti Muriwai o te Whanga (Te Komiti). Te Komiti has representatives from Mana Ahuriri, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and the Department of Conservation.

The purpose of Te Komiti is to promote the protection and enhancement of the environmental, economic, social, spiritual, historical and cultural values of Te Muriwai o te Whanga for present and future generations.

Te Komiti has many functions, including establishing a vision for Te Muriwai o te Whanga; promoting understanding of and advocating for Te Muriwai o te Whanga; monitoring and reporting on the health of Te Muriwai o te Whanga; working alongside stakeholders; and seeking funding opportunities to support the health and wellbeing of Te Muriwai o te Whanga. In the early establishment of Te Komiti, the
primary focus is on the preparation of Te Muriwai o te Whanga Plan. Whilst an official vision, objectives and desired outcomes have not yet been finalised, it is clear from early korero that Te Komiti are fixed on a future that sees the restoration of the mauri of Te Whanga, and a return to the days when Te Whanga provided for its people.