Te Roroa Research Project - YOUR Feedback sought!!!

Ka titiro a Maunganui, ka titiro ki Kaipara

Ka titiro a Kaipara, ka titiro ki Maunganui

As many of you will know, in recent times Te Roroa has achieved settlement of our long-standing claim with the Crown. This signals the beginning of a new era for us. We have now transitioned from a claimant group in a generational struggle, to a major landowner and stakeholder in Te Tai Tokerau. This new position presents us with further challenges as we move forward, in building a future for Te Roroa.

During the struggle much has happened, and we as an iwi have suffered in many ways. One of the consequences of the long drawn out claim negotiations process has been a loss of iwi identity and pride, and there is a feeling of disconnectedness being expressed by some at grass roots marae and whānau levels.

There are some among us who sense a need for a rebuilding of our ‘Te Roroatanga’ and a strengthening of our mana whenua, pride in ourselves as an iwi, and what we have to offer to each other and the wider community.

Now is a time for us to rise up in honour of those who have gone before, and stand tall among our neighbours.

Some of us have been discussing how we could start out on this road of rebuilding, and some ideas have emerged. Some have suggested the staging of an event (or events) to coincide with some significant date, where we Te Roroa as hosts can showcase who we are, and what we have to offer.

A working group: Te Roroatanga Working Group, (Made up of Te Roroa members) has been formed for the purpose of facilitating the discussion around this kaupapa, and receiving and collating feedback and input from the wider iwi membership.

The working group is seeking YOUR feedback and ideas for consideration in the planning of any possible future event/events.

Below is a questionnaire which you can complete and return by replying to this email. A PDF file is also attached which can be printed out, completed and returned via postal mail if you prefer.

Please distribute this email and questionnaire to those among your Marae/Whanau who do not have internet access, so as to enable us to acquire as much feedback and input as possible.

All completed questionnaires must be received by: Friday August 14th 2009.

Noho ora mai,

Te Roroatanga Working Group