WE ARE HERE TO IMPROVE THE
WELL BEING OF OUR PEOPLE
On 18 March 1982 Pouakani C1B1 and C1B2 blocks were vested in 6 Trustees to form a Trust known as Titiraupenga Trust – the Trustees were John Paki (Chairman) Kara Rotarangi, Tauhopa Hepi, Edward (Rocky) Bevan and Mike Pitiroi and Morehu Rangitoheriri. The Titiraupenga Trust land is at the foot of and on the lower slopes of Titiraupenga Mountain.
The Trustees established a farming operation and also commenced investigation of issues relating to the activities of the Crown and Maori Land Court that led to the partition of Pouakani Block and the subsequent acquisition of the land by the Crown. The Trustees were satisfied that there were survey and other issues that needed to be addressed.
The Pouakani Land claim was filed as Wai 33 and resulted in Waitangi Tribunal hearings during 1989.
Eventually the Pouakani report was released during 1993 identifying 2 main issues to be addressed:
Historical Claims – Concerning the operation and impact of the native land court and the native land laws in the 19th century.
Boundary Claims – Relating to a dispute over the location of the western boundary of the Pouakani block.
The Pouakani report was provided recommendations but the Crown was under no obligation to settle these issues, the Crown indicated that it was not prepared to enter into negotiations.