This whakapapa and traditional obligations determined the destiny and future location of the whanau to Te Arawa, and specifically to a 60ha landblock at Parekarangi, Horohoro during the 1950s.
The original owner of this whenua was Hariata Huirua, tipuna kuia of Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao. It was also land designated for construction of a new section of highway.
Waereti's father rallied support to protest and object to this activity but, 45.5ha was taken under the Public Works Act for the new road and construction of the Rotorua landfill followed.
In 2000, Waereti was appointed as one of five trustees of the remaining land (14.5ha), which was renamed the Huirua Ahuwhenua Trust in acknowledgement of the original owner.
"Heal the land, heal the people" is the underlying philosophy of collaborative action research Waereti has undertaken with former colleague and Ngati Tahu whanaunga Tess Kora.
In the exploration of old and new tools whanau could use to restore balance to whenua that has been decimated and to re-create papakainga living for the 21st century.
Waereti sees the Te Arawa standing committee as one of several forums for raising awareness and support for such issues.
She has an iwi, community and social work education background and is currently a member of the Matauranga Maori Governance Group overseeing the review of Maori qualifications health, disabilities, social services and Whanau Ora.
She is also a trustee at Te Ata Hou Private Training Establishment and Te Kotahi a Tuhoe Trust.
Ms Tait-Rolleston said her background was in public service where she worked for the Department of Social Welfare for many years and was a Maori adviser tasked with looking at how the voice of Maori could be better heard within government.
