March 02, 2015
Whanganui remembers Pakaitore win
Whanganui iwi have marked the 20th anniversary of the occupation of Pakaitore-Moutoa Gardens.
Among those who returned to the city park on the banks of the Whanganui River were former Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia and Ken Mair, who along with the late Niko Tangaroa became the public face to the 79-day protest.
The iwi claimed the park was the site of a trading area which was supposed to be reserved for Maori in the 1848 sale.
Although the High Court ruled against the iwi, the action led to a new era of consultation, with joint management between the iwi, the crown and the Whanganui council.
The weekend celebration included a fun triathlon, waka ama, kapa haka, a haka, and displays of photographs and film of the occupation.
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