#LandBack: Visions and Realities
With widespread private ownership of whenua that has been unjustly alienated from te iwi Māori, the vision of individuals and organisations returning land to hapū and iwi to help restore Tiriti relationships has gained traction among Tangata Tiriti. But the concrete realities of land restoration processes are often complex and can take many years.
What can we learn from a range of recent and successful ‘land back’ projects?
This wānanga brings together case studies of land repatriation from churches and community landowners to bring light to the range of ways that land return can occur in partnership with hapū and iwi. Through kōrero from those directly involved in the process of returning whenua, we’ll reflect on the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the deep spiritual and cultural significance of whenua restoration for Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti alike.
Organised by Tauiwi mō Matike Mai and Common Grace Aotearoa.
NB: This event is aimed at spotlighting how Tangata Tiriti individuals and institutions can contribute to private land return to Māori, and acknowledges the many ways hapū and iwi are leading land back efforts using their own asset base and through negotiation with the Crown.
When: Saturday 7th February 2026
What: Public Panel 1-3pm, Workshops 3-5pm
Where: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Tāmaki Makaurau
Guest Speakers:
- Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon - sharing about the return of land at Rangiaowhia by the Anglican Church in conversation with mana whenua representatives from Ngāti Apakura
- Rev Dr Wayne Te Kaawa (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa and Tuhoe) - sharing about the return of land at Maungapōhatu by the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
- Rev Dr Arapera Ngaha (Ngai-Tūteauru, Ngāti Hine of Ngāpuhi, and Ngāti Whakaue of Te Arawa) - sharing case studies from Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, the Methodist Church of New Zealand
- Sisters of Compassion - sharing case studies from Te Hāhi Katorika ki Aotearoa, the Catholic Church in New Zealand.
- Simon Oosterman - sharing about journeying with Te Kawerau ā Maki in an attempt to return Little Kaurimu Farm
The public panel will be free and livestreamed to the public, though registration is strongly encouraged for catering purposes.
The workshops are aimed as a breakout space for those who are interested in going into more detail on the mechanics of land repatriation and workshopping that in their own context. Registration is essential for this part of the event.
Register at
https://events.humanitix.com/landback-visions-and-realities
Also check out other Workshops in Auckland.
