Chairman explains politicians’ exclusion

The Ra¯tana Church will have an opportunity to sort out its longrunning problems by not hosting politicians at its annual celebrations event this month, its chairman says.

The celebrations, which mark the birthday of Tahupo¯tiki Wiremu Ra¯tana, the faith leader and prophet, historically draw in many wha¯nau and members of the community to Ra¯tana Pa¯ near Whanganui. The event usually also signals the start of the political year. However, politicians will not be allowed at Ra¯tana Pa¯ this year because of internal conflict within the Ra¯tana movement.

Labour has a historic relationship with the Ra¯tana Haahi and might have expected a particularly warm welcome given a recent deal over disputed land at Ihuma¯tao. Hareruia Aperahama, chairman of the Ra¯tana Church national executive, said the church maintained a strong link with the Labour Party but needed to sort out its internal conflict.

The conflict was the direct result of ‘‘constitutional failure’’, he said, and the second issue was that people were seeking accountability from all bodies within the church. They had been calling for a review for 15 years, having been ignored by previous executives and the marae’s operating committee. ‘‘We have an opportunity to address that this year.’’

Aperahama said the problems being canvassed are not exclusive to Ra¯tana – there were calls for internal transformation occurring within other marae trust boards, runanga and committee marae and also in mainstream organisations. ‘‘It was disappointing not to be hosting politicians, especially the new Labour Government and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and to miss the chance to thank her for her leadership during Covid-19.’’

He said the relationship with Labour remained strong. ‘‘The January hui is not the only opportunity – there are many opportunities for us to continue working, strengthening and supporting our relationship with Labour.’’

The Labour member for Te Tai Haua¯uru, Adrian Rurawhe, said he understood the reasoning not to invite politicians.

‘‘I think it is the correct decision, given that the church executive has been upfront about why – that there have been difficulties between different entities within Ra¯tana and that they were not able to guarantee that people would be properly looked after.

‘‘However, the event still goes ahead and those of us who are a part of Ra¯tana will still be in attendance.’’ - RNZ