For years New Zealand archaeologists have been puzzled by a people who lived without weapons and created trading systems that moved industrial stone the length of the country. They were a peaceful confederation of over two hundred iwi known as the ‘Nation’.

We are Waitaha, a people of peace, which we hold onto with all our might and mana as we follow in the footsteps of Rongomaraeroa. She gave to our original ancestors the caretakership of the foods of the noble ones, the kumara, the uwha, the taro and the peruperu. We have honoured the sacred covenants given to us, and she has honoured us in giving us land in which to plant and to keep our people safe in peace and health.