He Kupu Whakakapi

I would firstly like to acknowledge Te Wānanga o Raukawa and the various sources of information for the chance to reconnect and celebrate our land and our stories. The opportunity to research aspects of our hapū history and people associated with our journey has been invaluable. The task has been difficult due to the fact that few of those who know the depth of kōrero about our people remain. It has been a privelage to learn from those willing to share their understandings of our hapu and iwi history, but it is clear going forward many gaps remain. By presenting an overview of our peoples story it is hoped that this research will encourage our whanaunga to delve into their whānau history more deeply. It's important that this work is not carried by just a few. There is a strong desire, particularly for those who live outside the tribal boundary, to know their whakapa, their stories, the rich tapestry of their histories so they can past them on to the next generation. Our whānau are arranging hui, wānanga, sporting tournaments to bring us together. Some have purchased land around the marae, others planning to build on whenua left to us by our tūpuna. There is a strong desire to return and reconnect. This mahi, the kōrero, the website is designed to be part of the push to realise our potential. It is now up to us, we must learn from the past to move forward. Our people and our culture are ever evolving and while circumstances may change our whakapapa and Haurakitanga never will.