News Release
22 November 2016

Rotorua Library to host the city’s founding agreement presentations

In recognition of the anniversary of the signing of the agreement that founded Rotorua, local researcher Ben Manley will be holding two presentations this week.

The Fenton Agreement was signed by iwi representatives and Crown representative Chief Judge Francis Dart Fenton on the 25th of November, 1880.

The presentations by Rotorua Lakes Council’s Research Specialist, Ben Manley, will teleport people through the history of Rotorua including the settlement of Te Arawa, the arrival of Europeans, the agreement that established the township and what happened in the area after it was signed.

“Those behind the agreement recognised the importance of building a township in the area because it was the gateway to the thermal wonderland which was home to attractions such as the internationally well-known Pink and White Terraces,” says Mr Manley.

Ngāti Whakaue, along with its tribal kin Ngāti Rangiwewehi and Ngāti Uenukukōpako gave their blessing by signing the founding document and contributed suitable land that was near the then thriving hub of Ōhinemutu.

Ngāti Whakaue kaumatua and Rotorua Lakes Council’s Kaitiaki Māori, Monty Morrison, says it’s important for people to know the history of the land they live on.

“It’s interesting we strive to make an effort to learn about people’s lineage no matter whether they’re Māori or non-Māori because it is a mark of the respect we have for them. We should capture this idea and consider how we respect the land we walk on by learning about its DNA because that in itself is acknowledgement to our forebearers,” says Mr Morrison.

Rotorua Library’s director, Jane Gilbert, says “As a source for the written history of Rotorua, Rotorua Library is a fitting place for these talks to be held. People regularly visit the library to research their family history and whakapapa as well as local history and Ben’s talk will be of interest to many.”

The presentations will be held at the Rotorua Library on Thursday at 6pm and Friday at 1pm.

The second presentation was relocated from Rotorua Museum, which has been closed as a precautionary measure following the appearance of cracks in some parts of the building after last week’s earthquake.

Ben Manley encourages people to attend the free events.

“I hope people enjoy the presentations and that they inspire people to continue learning about the rich history of Rotorua.”

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