Te Arawa Lakes Trust Celebrates 100 Years of Dedication to Lakes, Iwi, and Community

The Trust hosted the Kotahi Rau Tau Centennial Ball at Rotorua Energy Events Centre in Rotorua today.

Te Arawa Lakes Trust centenary celebrations mark a significant milestone for all the important work done for the lakes, the iwi, and the Bay of Plenty region, says Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka.

Minister Potaka spoke at a commemorative event acknowledging 100 years since the first recorded meeting of the Te Arawa Trust Board (now represented by the Te Arawa Lakes Trust), which was established following an early agreement between Te Arawa Iwi and the Crown over the lakes.

The Trust hosted the Kotahi Rau Tau Centennial Ball at Rotorua Energy Events Centre in Rotorua today.

"This is very much a day to celebrate Te Arawa," Minister Potaka said. "The contribution of Te Arawa Iwi and hapū, through the many initiatives they have established over time, to the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty region is huge and today enables me to acknowledge that on behalf of the Government."

Chair of Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Geoff Rolleston, echoed the sentiment. "Today we celebrate a century of dedication to Te Arawa. Acknowledging the contributions initiated by the Te Arawa District Trust Board in 1924, we honour the wisdom and knowledge of our tūpuna, who continue to guide us today," he said.

"In true partnership, we know that through acknowledgment and challenge, we can ensure the preservation of our heritage, maintenance of our mana, protection of our tūrangawaewae, and ensure Arawatanga thrives," Mr. Rolleston added.

Te Arawa settled its historic Treaty of Waitangi claims with the Crown in 2006 through the landmark Te Arawa Lakes Settlement. Since then, Te Arawa has established several initiatives to promote the protection, restoration, and enhancement of the lakes.

"By regenerating mātauranga Māori and fostering a deep connection to our lakes and taonga species, we pave the way for the wellbeing of Te Arawa," said Dr. Daryn Bean, Chief Executive of Te Arawa Lakes Trust. "Elevating our understanding of our 14 Kōroto - Te Arawa lakes and taonga species is vital for our collective wellbeing. As we reflect on our past, we make a commitment to our future: always hold steadfast to that which is uniquely Arawa, to uphold our traditions always, to protect te taiao diligently and ensure a vibrant, sustainable future for all those that consider our rohe home."

The Trust's achievements include mobilizing a network of 1,500 volunteers who have overseen the removal of over 180,000 invasive catfish from the Te Arawa lakes as part of their efforts to remove invasive animal and plant species from the lakes.

"I look forward to continuing to strengthen our enduring partnership shared with the Te Arawa Iwi, including organizations like the Te Arawa Lakes Trust, and all that can be achieved in the next 100 years," Minister Potaka concluded.