A pou whenua will be erected by Ngatiwai hapu this weekend in protest to possible marine legislation on Mimiwhangata.
The kaupapa led by the hapu of Ngatiwai and Te Waiariki will see a pou whenua (land post) erected at Mimiwhangata, about an hour from Whangarei, on Saturday as a way to signal hapu dissatisfaction regarding possible marine legislation on Mimiwhangata and to retain rangatiratanga (sovereignty) status on the land and sea.
The pou whenua will be put up by master carver Te Warihi Hetaraka at 6am and will be followed by a whakamoemiti (thanks) led by Apotoro Reihita Hone Matenga. Although the event is led by hapu it is also being supported by the Ngatiwai Trust Board.