The
introduction
of
the
Runanga
Act
1989
led
to
the
establishing
of
Rangitaane
o
Wairarapa
Incorporated
Society
(Runanga).
The
rünanga
was
established
to
act
in
the
best
interests
of
the
descendants
or
hapu
of
Rangitaane
in
the
Wairarapa
rohe
(area)
and
is
charged
with
many
duties
including
representing
their
interests
to
local
and
central
government,
negotiating
Waitangi
Tribunal
settlements
and
disseminating
these
benefits
to
the
beneficiaries,
and
undertaking
and
delivering
programmes.
The
rünanga
delivers
a
host
of
services
to
the
people
of
the
Wairarapa
including
health
and
social
services,
research,
resource
consent
matters
and
cultural
advice.
It is governed by an Executive committee and together
with rünanga staff and kaumätua, they manage
the iwi representation to many local and central government
agencies and non-governmental organisations.
Rangitaane o Wairarapa is a partner to the Pukaha Mount
Bruce Restoration Project and sees this relationship
as an important step to reaffirming their role as kaitiaki
for the natural resources in the Wairarapa.
A
saying
that
has
been
handed
down
through
the
generations
goes;
“Ko
tätou
ngä
kanohi
ora,
nga
kanohi
o
ngä
maunga,
o
ngä
awa,
o
ngä
papa
pounamu”.
“We
are
the
living
eyes;
for
the
mountains,
the
rivers,
and
the
beautiful
valleys”.
Its meaning – We are all responsible for the preservation
of our natural environment.
Rangitaane
o
Wairarapa
has
a
mission
to
-
Re-acquaint Rangitaane people with the history and ecology
of Pukaha Mount Bruce, and to develop their people through
employment, training and development of new qualifications
in indigenous ecological tourism.
Goals
are
to:
-
develop
an
eco-cultural
experience
at
Pukaha
Mount
Bruce
that
demonstrates
tikanga
Maori
and
conservation
to
visitors
in
partnership
with
the
NWC
Trust
and
DOC;
-
build capacity in transferable skills and knowledge
in Te Ao Maori through training and participation
in conservation and tourism.
-
contribute to protecting and enhancing the nation’s
biodiversity.
