Ngati Hine rebels with a new cause

On the eve of the 175th anniversary of the sacking of Russell and the outbreak of war in the North, Ngati Hine is leading another rebellion, this time against family violence.

Te Runanga o Ngati Hine chairman Waihoroi Shortland, and others, signed the E T Whanau declaration on behalf of Ngati Hine at Te Ahuareka o Ngati Hine Festival at Otiria Marae last week, where the theme was 'Tane Atawhai - Men who Nurture,' highlighting the positive role men play in the community.

"We are putting a new spin on our tupuna Te Ruki Kawiti's final edict to his people, 'Takahia te riri ki raro i o waewae.' Today we are telling our own that as Nagti Hine we have to trample violence beneath our feet," Mr Shortland said.

In signing the E T Whanau declaration, Ngati Hine had launched its no tolerance of violence campaign within whanau, and in particular to women, children and mokopuna.

"It is especially binding on men. There is no campaign without them being up front and centre and ready to bite the bullet," he added.

"We will be using every tool at our disposal to drive this message home. It will be carried through our health trust and our radio station. It will find its way into every school and classroom within the ambit of Ngati Hine and beyond.

"In Kawiti's time he charged Ngati Hine to protect the document he signed up to, namely Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will expect Ngati Hine will do no less with the E T Whanau Declaration."

Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis said other whanau, hapu and iwi needed to follow Ngati Hine's example.

"Ngati Hine has taken a lead by highlighting the vital role men play in the community. Other whanau, hapu and iwi need to follow Ngati Hine's lead so that all whanau throughout Aotearoa are safe in their homes, marae and community," he said.

"When all men apply the lessons of our tupuna, such as manaakitanga and aroha, we will see domestic violence and sexual violence end. This will mean whanau will be better-equipped to nurture their mokopuna to be happy and successful Maori in their adult lives."