Significant housing agreement signed between the NZDF and Ngāti Rangi

Iwi representatives, including Chair of Te Tōtarahoe o Paerangi, Tomairangi Mareikura and Chief of Army Major General Rose King were at the ceremony at Rongomaraeroa o ngā hau e whā (the New Zealand Army National Marae) at Waiouru, fulfilling commitments made under the Ngāti Rangi Treaty settlement. 

Major General King said they were not merely effecting an agreement, but honouring a commitment made by the Crown and by the New Zealand Defence Force to Ngāti Rangi. 

“A commitment arising from the settlement journey and from a shared determination to build a better future together.”

The documents concerned land, homes, leases, and construction, but at the heart of the agreement were people, whakapapa and trust, Major General King said.

“And it is about the enduring relationship between those who hold the stories of this whenua and those who have lived, trained, worked, and served upon it for generations.”

Since its creation in the 1930s, the camp’s importance to the New Zealand Army, Ngāti Tūmatauenga has remained as a critical hub for force generation and operational readiness. 

Building modern, fit-for-purpose housing is essential for the wellbeing, retention and operational effectiveness of NZDF personnel and their whānau.

“The agreement we sign gives practical effect to the commitments contained in the Ngāti Rangi settlement. It reflects years of discussion, negotiation, and goodwill by many people on all sides. It demonstrates that honouring Tiriti commitments is not separate from advancing national interests. It is part of advancing national interests,” Major General King said.

When the New Zealand Government approved this stage of the Waiouru Housing Development, it enabled the NZDF to begin construction of the homes as part of the Homes for Families programme. 

The agreement involves the sale of buildings and land to Ngāti Rangi, which will then be leased back by the NZDF under a long-term lease arrangement. 

Te Tōtarahoe o Paerangi Chair Tomairangi Mareikura said the agreement was an important milestone for Ngāti Rangi. 

“The Defence lands at Waiouru sit within our rohe. Our relationship with this whenua is enduring, grounded in whakapapa and central to who we are.” 

The Ngāti Rangi Treaty settlement records the damage to sites sacred to Ngāti Rangi on Defence lands, particularly Te Onetapu, and the lasting impact this has had on the iwi’s physical and spiritual relationship with the whenua. 

“That history matters. So too does what we do next,” Ms Mareikura said. 

Ngāti Rangi remains strongly connected to the whenua, wāhi tapu and taonga, including matā, onewa and pākere. 

“Our aspiration is clear, to strengthen our relationship with our whenua and, where possible, see land returned to Ngāti Rangi ownership. 

“This agreement is a practical step forward. It enables Ngāti Rangi to participate in a meaningful commercial arrangement while helping provide better housing for Defence personnel and their whānau at Waiouru. 

“A Treaty settlement should not mark the end of a relationship. It should provide the foundation for a stronger one.

“We welcome this agreement and the constructive relationship with the New Zealand Defence Force. This is one of many steps we can take together. Through trust, partnership and a shared commitment to the future, we can strengthen our relationship with the whenua and build an enduring partnership between Ngāti Rangi and the Defence Force for generations to come.”