Rangitāne o Wairau recently unveiled a new pou at Lake Rotoiti School, a site secured through the foresight and determination of those who negotiated our Settlement.

This pouwhenua stands in honour of Paraone Taituha, rangatira of the Ngāi Te Heiwi hapū of Rangitāne, an important tupuna across this area. A descendant of Kurahaupō, Paraone understood Rotoiti as a vital hub, a fulcrum of the inland mangatawhai trails that connected our people across Te Tauihu. His people returned here to harvest kai, to seek refuge, and to maintain the enduring relationship between people and place.

Paraone was also a figure of the emerging colonialworld. He was an early convert to Christianity, present at the Wairau Affray, a signatory to the 1856 Rangitāne Deed, and a member of the original Rangitāne Rūnanga, advocating for our people when Crown promises were broken. It is fitting that we recognise him here and through this pou. 

The pou, designed by Keelan Walker, draws inspiration from harakeke as a visual expression of our whakapapa. The front panels depict the waterways that flow from this landscape, while the back panels illustrate the trails and pathways that carried our tūpuna across the rohe. Standing here at Rotoiti, Paraone, mere in hand, continues to watch over the whenua and wai that sustained generations.

This project would not have been possible without the dedication of many people. Will Macdonald guided the project as manager, while Shannara MacDonald-Thwaites worked on the fabrication alongside the team at Gregory Engineering. Judith MacDonald, Peter Meihana, and Te Matahiapo Hynes supported the development of the kōrero, and Kiley Nepia led the morning blessing. We are grateful to Lake Rotoiti School for partnering with us and to Marama Davidson MP, who attended alongside whānau participating in our tuna wānanga.

This pou proudly stands as a reminder of our identity, resilience, and enduring connection to Rotoiti. A heartfelt mihi goes to our whānau for their strong turnout and support for this important kaupapa.