Nancy Tuaine

Kauaka e kōrero mō te Awa, kōrero ki te Awa

Nancy shares with us the history of Te Awa Tupua – a legally recognised indivisible and living entity, comprising the Whanganui River from the mountains to the sea, incorporating all its physical and metaphysical elements.

The signing and celebration of Ruruku Whakatupua, the Whanganui River Deed of Settlement, took place at Ranana on the Whanganui River Road on 5 August 2014.

At least 500 people met at Ruaka Marae for the historic occasion. Amongst the guests were local and visiting iwi, Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Hon. Chris Finlayson, Minister for Whanau Ora and Member of Parliament for Te Tai Hauāuru Tariana Turia, Minister for Courts and Member of Parliament for Whanganui Chester Borrows, Mayor Annette Main and Whanganui District Councillors.

The settlement focused on the health and well-being of the Whanganui River, which would become its own legal entity under the settlement.