Aucklanders invited to remember land offering
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Ngāti Whātua in Auckland, New Zealand, will gather on September 18th to commemorate an event from 1840 when their ancestor, Apihai Te Kawau, made 3,000 acres of land available for the establishment of Auckland.
Te Kawau hoped this offering, known as tuku whenua, would foster peace and partnership between Māori and European settlers.
The author, a member of Ngāti Whātua, reflects on growing up with limited knowledge of the history beneath the city and the work of his father, Hapi Pihema, to preserve cultural knowledge. While Ngāti Whātua later experienced significant land loss, including the forced eviction of residents and burning of homes in the 1950s to prepare for a royal visit. They also want to honor Te Kawau’s original vision of generosity and hope.
Ngāti Whātua is extending an invitation to all Aucklanders to join them in remembering this history through events like the Poumatua Festival, encouraging people to learn Māori names for local landmarks and explore the connections to the land. The community hopes September 18th will become an annual day for Aucklanders to reflect on the city’s origins and foster a shared sense of belonging.
