After a 28-year fight, Mokomoko whanau members are finally being heard in Parliament - a month after the deaths of two of their oldest fighters.
Following a Crown apology to the Mokomoko whanau last year, a bill to restore the mana, character and reputation of their ancestor, Whakatohea chief Mokomoko, has passed its first reading.
The Mokomoko (Restoration of Character, Mana, and Reputation) Bill passed its first reading on Thursday last week.
In 1866, Mokomoko was tried and hanged in prison with three others for their supposed part in the murder of Reverend Carl Volkner in Opotiki. As a result of the murder, the Government sent troops to Opotiki, the Mokomoko family was reduced to 30 women and children and 70,000ha was taken from them. The Mokomoko family has since carried the shame of bringing raupatu (land confiscation) to Opotiki.
In 1992 a pardon overturned the conviction, although Maori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples said Mokomoko's pardon did not specifically restore his character, mana and reputation.
Mokomoko whanau spokeswoman Rita Wordsworth said about a dozen Mokomoko whanau members travelled to Wellington for the first hearing. She said a sad factor had been the death of two of their old people last month who had been involved in the fight for 28 years, original claimant Nanny Mokomoko and kaumatua Matenga Biddle.
"It's been a long journey for both of them. At least when they died they knew it was going to happen."
Aside from the sadness at the passing of their elders, Ms Wordsworth said there was relief that what the previous generations had worked for was finally coming to fruition, even though they were no longer with the whanau physically.
She said she hoped the final reading would be through Parliament before the end of the year - a terrific Christmas present. Ms Wordsworth said there was hope the second reading could be held at their Waiaua Marae, where Mokomoko now lies.
"This is not just our claim, but it is an acknowledgement of everyone that went through the same thing. It's great to see our MPs working together on a common kaupapa. There were no objections from any of the parties present in the House. It looks very positive they will be able to deal with it quickly."
Dr Sharples said he hoped the bill would help lift the shame and stigma felt by Te Whanau a Mokomoko. "Seeking and receiving justice for these horrible events has not been easy for Te Whanau a Mokomoko. This is something that often the Pakeha world does not understand - how history still lives with us and is in our actions, our minds, our ambitions, and our aspirations," Dr Sharples said.
"I sincerely hope this bill will help lift the shame, the stigma, felt by the whanau and be an important step towards restoring the relationship between the Crown and Te Whanau a Mokomoko."