Ngā Kaimahi Whenua o Ngāti Ira Charitable Trust has purchased approximately 580 hectares of whenua in the Waioweka Parish, part of the wider Waioweka block.

Trust chair Noi Elmiger said the acquisition marked a significant milestone for Ngāti Ira as tangata whenua.

It represented the return of whenua once held by Ngāti Ira and now restored to Ngāti Ira ownership – “a powerful affirmation of mana whenua, hapū rangatiratanga, and the enduring relationship between Ngāti Ira and this land”.

She said the purchase strengthened Ngāti Ira’s ability to exercise mana motuhake and uphold its responsibilities as kaitiaki for future generations.

The whenua is of profound cultural and environmental significance.

It borders existing papakāinga lands and sits close to Ngāti Ira kōhanga reo, kura, marae, and urupā.

The block includes native bush, waterfalls, and several sites of cultural and historical importance, with expansive views stretching to Te Moana-nui-a-Toi.

Ms Elmiger said its return reinforced the cultural, spiritual, and physical landscape that sustained Ngāti Ira.

“This whenua carries the stories, responsibilities, and hopes of our loved ones who are no longer with us physically, and, of our people, who are the kaitiaki taiao and kaimahi whenua of all of Waioweka.

“Having it returned to Ngāti Ira strengthens our ability to protect what matters most, for our mokopuna.

“The acquisition is not only significant for Ngāti Ira, but also for Te Whakatōhea more broadly, reflecting generations of resilience, persistence, and commitment to restoring whenua to iwi and hapū ownership for the benefit of future generations,” she said.

Importantly, she said the milestone reflected the knowledge, infrastructure, and relationships cultivated by Ngāti Ira to enable the acquisition on behalf of the hapū.

“It has been made possible through strong partnerships with Whakatōhea iwi and hapū, local businesses, local and regional government agencies, and community groups – a collective effort that demonstrates the power of collaboration in achieving enduring outcomes for Ngāti Ira and its people.”

Te Ataahua Kingi, kaitiaki co-ordinator for the trust said as ahi kā, this was only the beginning for the hapū.

“Ngāti Ira has maintained an unbroken relationship with Waioweka despite the historic alienation of our whenua.

“Reclaiming land now requires hapū to mobilise their own resources and use their own pūtea to restore what was taken, highlighting both the legacy of past injustice and the determination and commitment of Ngāti Ira to shape our future.”

Ngā Kaimahi Whenua o Ngāti Ira are the acknowledged kaitiaki of Te Riu o Tamatea Mātangi, commonly known as the Waioweka Gorge along State Highway 2.

“We acknowledge and support the ongoing mahi of NZTA and its contractors to safely reopen this vital transport corridor.

“Ongoing discussions are focused on strengthening partnership approaches that uphold the integrity of the whenua while supporting long-term resilience and access for the wider region.”