Presentation material for Kura Moeahu's lecture presented at the Treasury.
Abstract
The histories that underpin the mana whenua iwi in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (the Wellington region) are fundamentally political.Kura Moeahu will recount a Māori narrative about the settlement of iwi in Wellington from its origins through to the collision with parliament and current political dynamics. These histories guide the post-settlement context that Taranaki Whānui (mana whenua in Wellington) operates in as a major commercial and cultural leaders in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
About Kura Moeahu
Kura Moeahuhas strong mana whenua ties here in Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington. He has whakapapa connections to the eight tribes of Taranaki and Ngāti Mutunga.
He is a tribal leader for his people, who is passionately involved with his iwi governance – being the Chairman of Te Rūnanganuio Te Atiawa, Waiwhetu Marae, Harbour Island Kaitiaki Board, and Waiwhetu Pa Reservation No.4.
Kura is the Kaiwhakarite Māori – Senior Cultural Advisor to Parliament. Who ensures tikanga Māori is upheld and promoted within Parliamentary services.
A true orator of his people, who is steeped in ancient karakia and whakapapa. Kura is also the founder and lead tutor of Ngāurio Tamarau (a top kapahaka group here in Wellington). He enjoys playing the guitar, composing songs, and spending time with whānau. “Although people see me in suits – I am a pa boy at heart.”
He aha tekai a terangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. (What is the food of chiefs? It is communication, it is listening, it is knowledge.)
Note: Papers, presentation slides and any other material provided by the Guest Lecturer will be made available some time after the lecture at Publications > Media & Speeches > Guest Lectures by Visiting Academics.