$9m package for Parihaka

A $9 million reconciliation package for the people of Parihaka has been finalised at a ceremony in Wellington.

Yesterday, Ma¯ori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta met with about 100 members of the coastal Taranaki community and signed an agreement between the Crown and the Parihaka Papaka¯ inga Trust.

Mahuta said the trust, in consultation with the community and Te Puni Ko¯ kiri and Treasury, had produced a development plan for the $9m, which begins with a focus on healing and reconciliation and the development of urgent infrastructure.

The Parihaka Reconciliation Bill was passed in 2017 and the Wellington event came 18 months after the Parihaka-Crown reconciliation ceremony, He Puanga Haeata, held at the Parihaka in June last year.

That event included a Crown apology by the-then Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson for the invasion of Parihaka by government troops on November 5, 1881.

In Wellington, Mahuta again acknowledged the atrocities suffered by the people of Parihaka and their leaders Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu Ka¯ kahi.

Mahuta said the purpose of the package was to heal the relationship between Parihaka and the Crown, recognise the historical significance of Parihaka and provide support for the development of the community.

Some of the money will be earmarked for land and upgrading the water supply, housing and other infrastructure at the site. Other possibilities include a multi-purpose centre and the creation of increased opportunities for cultural development, former trust chair Puna Wano-Bryant said last year.