Raukawa to celebrate 25th anniversary

Raukawa to celebrate 25th anniversary

March 14, 2012

South Waikato iwi Raukawa will mark the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Raukawa Maori Trust Board with celebrations and festivities later this month.

On March 24, 1987, the Raukawa Trust Board was formed and set about driving the cultural, social and economic development for the people of the iwi. The board was also determined to have a greater say on issues that were important to its more than 20,000 tribal members.

The 25-year anniversary celebration, to be held at the Tokoroa Memorial Sports Ground this Saturday (March 24), marks a period of momentous change and growth for the iwi. The day, which will include a range of music, entertainment, stalls and sports events, will appeal to families.

The current tribal governance and capacity to support the social, cultural and economic aspirations of iwi members grew from humble beginnings.

The organisation is now the largest provider of health and social services in the South Waikato. It employs more than 70 staff across business units which deal with environmental initiatives, te reo Maori language revitalisation, youth services, and the negotiation of Raukawa Treaty of Waitangi Claims.

The Raukawa Trust Board has evolved to what is now the Raukawa Settlement Trust, which is the parent for subsidies including the Raukawa Charitable Trust and Raukawa Iwi Development Ltd which manage the tribe’s significant social, cultural and economic projects.

The commercial arm of the tribe – Raukawa Iwi Development Ltd – manages assets and investments valued at almost $50 million.

Raukawa Settlement Trust Chairwoman Vanessa Eparaima said the 25-year anniversary celebration marked a milestone for the people of Raukawa.

“We can acknowledge and celebrate the incredible work of our whanaunga who had a vision, and the many hundreds who followed this inspiration to help build the vibrant tribal entity that we are today.”

Mrs Eparaima said it was important to celebrate the special day and to acknowledge the huge progress made by Raukawa.

“We are heading into a new phase of our iwi development. We are within weeks of concluding our outstanding Treaty of Waitangi Settlement negotiations.

“The conclusion of this important work will allow the iwi to focus all our considerable energy and resources on further enhancing and growing our social cultural and economic capacity for our people.”

Raukawa Charitable Trust chairman George Rangitutia said the event was an important time to acknowledge those who began this journey.

“It is a day to celebrate and acknowledge our leaders and all those who supported them to bring us to this point today.

“The anniversary is a day for our people and all in our communities to come together and to take part in the events, to celebrate, to enjoy the entertainment and to acknowledge and share in Raukawatanga.

“We welcome our Raukawa whanau, and all in the community to come along and enjoy the day’s events and activities.”

Raukawa 25th Anniversary Celebration
When: Saturday March 24, 2012, Powhiri at 9am, with events and activities from 10am
Where: Tokoroa Memorial Sports Grounds, Mossop Rd, Tokoroa
Contact: www.raukawa.org.nz

About Raukawa
The Raukawa Settlement Trust (RST) is the governance body representing South Waikato based iwi, Raukawa. The Trust is made up of 27 trustees, representing 16 Raukawa marae, and thirty two hapu.

The RST is based in Tokoroa and its tribal boundaries are represented by four pou. These are:
• Maungatautari
• Te Kaokaoroa o te Patetere
• Wharepuhunga
• Te Pae o Raukawa

The RST is the new post-settlement entity for the iwi, which transitioned from the Raukawa Trust Board, established in 1987. The RST is focused on lifting the social, cultural and economic opportunities for more than 20,000 tribal members.
Today Raukawa is one of the largest Maori social service providers in the country.
Raukawa is one of four major iwi that make up the Tainui waka, including Waikato, Maniapoto, and Hauraki.

ENDS

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