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Tū Ake Te Aupōuri 2012 - A Celebration Of Aupōuritanga

The community of Te Kao is preparing for the arrival of visitors attending the celebrations for ‘Tu Ake Te Aupouri 2012‘ an Aupōuri festival at Pōtahi Marae on Friday 27 January - Sunday 29 January. Kaumātua, kuia and younger generations have come together to plan and prepare for a celebration of Aupōuritanga.

There will be activities for all the whānau including art exhibitions, live bands, a talent quest, an ‘amazing race’, a tautohetohe – te reo Māori debate, sports and swimming. The key feature of the festival programme is the signing of the Te Aupōuri Deed of Settlement and the delivery of the Crown’s apology to Te Aupōuri. 95.61% of Te Aupōuri people, who participated in the treaty settlement ratification process, agreed to accept the settlement package offered by the Crown. Raymond Subritzky, Chairperson of Te Rūnanga Nui O Te Aupōuri says, “the overwhelming support received expresses a clear message to move forward, begin the economic rejuvenation of Te Aupōuri and realise the aspirations of the iwi”.

The settlement package does not, and cannot, compensate for the full extent of loss suffered by Te Aupōuri. However, the elements of justice within the settlement package will set Te Aupōuri on a course of economic recovery and collectively enable Far North iwi to create positive opportunities that include Te Aupōuri people. Included in the Aupōuri package is the return of the Te Raite and Cape View farms, a significant share in the Te Aupōuri Forest, Department of Conservation lands and innovative relationship redress, including the ground breaking Social Accord involving Far North iwi and the Crown.

Neighbouring iwi, dignitaries, officials and Ministers of Parliament will witness the signing of the Deed. Raymond Subritzky says, “Kaumātua and kuia of Te Aupōuri invite the wider community to celebrate this historical milestone in the spirit of peace, prosperity and aroha. “Tū Ake Te Aupōuri!”

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