Celebrating 50 years

A year of remembrance, celebration and gratitude is planned to mark the 50-year anniversary of Ātihau- Whanganui Incorporation (Awhi) being formed.

The programme of special events, to be launched at this year’s AGM, will be held around the rohe to ensure that everyone in the Ātihau whānau can take part in marking this significant milestone.

“Becoming an incorporated society 50 years ago was a huge shift for everyone concerned,” says Mavis Mullins, Chairperson of the Ātihau- Whanganui Inc Board. “Since then the organisation has followed the dreams and aspirations of that very first committee of management to protect our whenua and bring prosperity to our uri.”

“We are proud of who we are and what we have become, an organisation that has grown its equity base and works to provide learning and employment to our people. We are that much closer to being a price maker, not a price taker. We have worked to stay true to our Ātihau-Whanganuitanga, maintaining and enhancing our cultural connections.”

Events will include a rangatahi forum for young leaders to talk and share experiences and their vision for the future, a special farm tour and a chance to dress up and have fun at a Gala Ball to culminate the year.

“We want to engage as many as possible to acknowledge our past, the struggles and the hard times, and celebrate the success we have achieved as a business and as a whānau,” says Mavis. “We also want to acknowledge those leaders and whānau who have gone before us who laid the foundations of the path we are now on.”

A commemorative book is also planned which will contain a brief history of the incorporation and some insights into the life of Dr Whakaari Te Rangitākuku Dudley Mete-Kingi, who was a tribal leader and chair of both Morikaunui and Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporations, told through the recollections of his whānau.

A record of the landmarks and characteristics of the Ātihau- Whanganui Inc whenua, along with its tribal understanding and knowledge, will also be included.

“We want to acknowledge the journey of our people ensuring our connections to the land remain warm while staving off settler interest and government pressure,” explains Te Tiwha Puketapu. “It is such a special story of resilience.”

The publication is due to be released in 2020. A more detailed programme of events will be announced at the AGM in December.