An occupation remembered

UP FRONT: The late Niko Tangaroa addresses a group during the occupation of Pakaitore/Moutoa Gardens. Tomorrow it is time to reflect on everyone's memories of this.

Tomorrow brings an opportunity to dwell on an important event in Wanganui's history - the 1995 occupation of Pakaitore/Moutoa Gardens.

A diverse group is recording an oral history of the 79-day occupation, and is presenting its progress at Wanganui's Alexander Heritage Library in Queen's Park from 10am to 2pm.

One of the group, Mariana Waitai, says it's important to reflect on the past in order to be ready for the future.

It's no coincidence that the signing of the Whanganui River settlement will happen just three days later, she believes. There will be changes to take on board, and understanding the past will make that easier.

She quotes something she heard at a Waitangi Day years ago.

"The future isn't some place we're going, it's one we're creating.

"The paths are to be made, not found, and the process of making them will change both the makers and the destination." The time at the library will be an opportunity for people to both talk and listen, she said.

"Everybody is welcome.

"Everybody has got a story. Some good, some bad.

"You may get a chance to share it."

There will be introductions to the history project at 10am and 1pm, displays to look at. A light lunch will be provided at noon.

Paora Joseph's film about the river claim, Te Awa Tupua - Voices from the River, was to have been shown but that is cancelled. Ms Waitai does not know why.

The Pakaitore Oral History Project Working Party aims to record 70 interviews about the occupation - from all points of view, Maori, Pakeha, church, council, police, media, politicians and neighbours, and wants the whole project finished by February, the 20-year anniversary of the occupation.