Today marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Ngāti Oneone and Trust Tairāwhiti, with the formal transfer of several land titles on Hirini Street and the public release of the Kawenata — a Statement of Intent that outlines the shared aspirations and commitments between the Trust and the hapū.
Ngāti Oneone lead negotiator Harata Gibson and Trust Tairāwhiti Chair David Battin said they both fully supported transparency around the Kawenata.
The details of the Kawenata, which have also been shared with Te Aitanga a Māhaki and Rongowhakaata, cover the transfer of land and development funding to an entity representing Ngāti Oneone, Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Rongowhakaata and Ngāi Tāmanuhiri.
Trust Tairāwhiti Chair David Battin said the Kawenata acknowledged Ngāti Oneone as mana whenua for the port area and provided a foundation for working together on outcomes that benefit the wider community.
“The message from Ngāti Oneone was clear – they wanted the land beside their urupa where their Rangatira Hirini Te Kani was buried, and the land next to their awa Kopuawhakapata, which flows beside their original wharenui Te Poho o Rawiri. In their view, the lands were not being used for the port purpose for which they were acquired.”
Signed on 14 August 2025, the Kawenata sets out:
- The return of six titles near the Hirini Street Cemetery and Kopuawhakapata Stream, and three other titles still being considered.
- A Right of First Refusal to purchase other Eastland Port properties that may become surplus to port requirements in future.
- Payment of $2m for development purposes and management of existing and future properties.
- An annual funding distribution of $500k each year for five years to support outcomes under He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora and enable the Ngati Oneone vision.
A Rōpū Tiaki Moana (Co-Governance Group) will be established, with its terms of reference to be confirmed at the inaugural meeting in November. This rōpū will also include representation from Te Whanau a Iwi (of Te Aitanga a Māhaki) and Ngāi Tawhiri (of Rongowhakaata) who share interests in the Kaiti area with Ngāti Oneone.
“This rōpū is an opportunity for us to work together with Trust Tairāwhiti, as the owners of the Eastland Port, on their vision for the harbour and how this can be developed” said Gibson.
“We are thankful with this agreement and to all those who have played a part to achieve it,” said Gibson. “The Kawenata recognises and provides for Ngāti Oneone to be connected to the land and the moana in a collaborative way that hasn’t been achieved for the past 95 years.”
With today’s transfer of titles complete, Ngāti Oneone will end their repossession of the Hirini Street land that they have occupied for the past 173 days.