Return of northern forest decades in the making

Muriwhenua Incorporation (MI) chairwoman, Marama Pohatu, speaking at a special pōwhiri last month at Te Hiku o Te Ika Marae which marked the return of the forest formerly known as Te Hapua Forest to MI and the welcome of new MI Forest Manager, Ken Palmer.

A Far North Māori incorporation has marked the return of its forest after 45 years with a special ceremony in Te Hapua.

The Muriwhenua Inc (MI) celebrated the return of its forest formerly known as Te Hāpua Forest with a pōwhiri (welcome ceremony) for its newly appointed Forest Manager last month.

The haukainga (home people) welcomed home Ken Palmer (Ngati Kuri, Te Aupōuri, Ngati Wai and Ngati Hine), as well as important guests from iwi, hapū, whānau and stakeholders to Te Hiku o Te Ika Marae in an emotional day acknowledging the journey getting to this point.

Palmer has lived and worked in and around Whangarei for most of his life, but has whakapapa (genealogical ties) to Te Hapua and is well-known in the Tai Tokerau forestry scene after 30 years in the industry.

He is also the great-grandson of Herewini Paraone, one of the elders who planted the first pine trees in Muriwhenua Tika.

Muriwhenua Incorporation's new forestry manager, Ken Palmer, speaks at the pōwhiri in his honour.

He recalled a kōrero (story) about the grief his great-grandfather had felt being cut off from his land when the Te Hapua Forest was first signed over to Northern Pulp.

“After hearing the stories of my people, I knew I needed to make a career here so I could help restore the mauri (lifeforce) of the whenua (land) and recognise our tūpuna (ancestors) aspirations for this space,” Palmer said.

“I am both excited and nervous as the responsibility and magnitude of this role is huge.

“This is not just a job or even a pay cheque, this is my home, my people and this is laying new foundations for future generations whilst honouring all those that came before me.”

Te Hapua 42 Incorporation is the former name for MI, which sits under Te Ture Whenua Act and was formed on March 4, 1965.

In conjunction with the welcoming of Palmer, the pōwhiri also celebrated the eventual return of the forests previously known as Te Hapua Forest, Shenstone Forest and Te Mingi Forest to MI as one large forest estate - ‘Ngā Ngāhere o Muriwhenua Tika’ to reflect the original location name.

Forestry representatives, Muriwhenua Incorporation members, local whānau and mana whenua at the pōwhiri at Te Hiku o Te Ika Marae last month.

Palmer will manage all three forests which will make up 3000 of the total 7070 hectares of MI whenua.

MI Chairwoman Marama Pohatu (nee Rapata Hoterene) said the return of the forests had been a long time coming and honoured the dreams of her forbearers.

“Muriwhenua Incorporation is now one of the many Māori companies to find success by honouring the past, responding to present challenges with guidance from Te Taumata Kuia Kaumatua o te Hau Kainga o Ngāti Kuri, while remaining focused on the aspirations of future generations,” Pohatu said.

“We are proud and look forward to being able to contribute to our economy not only at a local but regional and national level, including the Māori economy estimated to be worth $70 billion through our forestry, apiculture, aquaculture, tourism and housing aspirations.

“We acknowledge our tūpuna who incorporated the whenua in difficult, unrewarding times to retain the ownership for future generations and all the whānau who have first-hand accounts of the hard manual labour across generations that paid the rates and worked the whenua.

“They are without a doubt our ‘land savers’ and I acknowledge with aroha and respect, each and everyone.”

According to Pohatu, negotiations to return the forests began around seven years ago between MI and Summit Forests- the former foresty lease holder.

Pohatu said Des Minehan/OneForest had been instrumental in their unwavering support during this process and integral to the outcome achieved.

“Des never left our side and when times were low and we were discouraged, he provided much-needed advice and guidance to both to the Committee of Management as well as to me in my role as Chair,” she said.

Ngāti Kuri kaumātua Graeme Neho with MNZM Des Minehan who has been involved with the forest at Te Hapua for decades.

“His deep expert sector knowledge is also part of the fabric and story of todays’ occasion.

“I also want to thank Summit Forests for their collaborative and understanding approach to our recently signed agreement, particularly Rob McGregor and Riki Green, and look forward to further collaboration moving forward.”

Pohatu also acknowledged and thanked the presence of the wide range of networks including financial, iwi, hapū, Ahu Whenua and Whānau Trusts, as well as whānau and hāpori (communities) who travelled to the pōwhiri and the work of both current and past Committees of Management.