Marae stubs out smokes on grounds

A change in policy will see Turangawaewae Marae 100 per cent smoke free on Friday.

Smoke free will be introduced on the same day as local iwi and dignitaries gather alongside the Ngaruawahia community to commemorate the historic signing of the Raupatu Settlement.

Under the marae's old policy developed 12 years ago, smokers had access to designated areas on the marae.

Nga Miro Health heath promoter Wynae Tukere said whanau weren't prepared to be 100 percent smoke free in 2003.

"We had to come to a middle ground. Most of the trustees back then smoked and now they don't. It's easier now."

Tukere said when the trustees endorsed the proposal the next step was to go to the marae committee.

"They are very supportive. We will become the role model for other marae in the Waikato Tainui rohe, working towards a Smokefree Aotearoa 2025."

Help will be available for people wanting to quit.

For further information on quitting smoking contact Rose Whanga on 07 824 5129.

Historical occasion On Friday, May 22, Waikato iwi will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Raupatu Settlement that brought an end to more than a century of grievance with the Crown.

May 22 marks the day the late Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu signed the 1995 Waikato Raupatu Deed of Settlement.

Representing the Crown at the signing was former prime minister Jim Bolger and in November of the same year, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II gave Royal assent to the act that enshrined the Raupatu Settlement in legislation.

Chair of Te Arataura, the tribal executive, Rahui Papa said the milestone year was "a time for reflection, remembrance, and commemoration".

A range of events will be held and Papa said they were an opportunity to "revisit the meaning of the Raupatu".

A commemoration day at Turangawaewae in Ngaruawahia will see the launch of a Commemorative Raupatu booklet, a Raupatu Commemorative Pin and Raupatu Waiata.

The day will include entertainment from tribal youth, an exhibition on the history of raupatu and a community celebration.

- North Waikato News