Turia expresses dismay at spate of fires

MP for Te Tai Hauauru, Tariana Turia, has expressed her sympathies to the whanau of Ngati Manomano associated with the marae, Taumata o te Ra in Halcombe, Feilding; and the whanau of Ngati Porou, Te-Whanau A Apanui, Aitanga A Mahaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngai Tai and Kahungunu Ki Wairoa associated with Horouta ki Poneke Marae in Porirua.

Taumata o Te Ra suffered the loss of its whare kai being burnt to the ground, and damage was sustained to its kaumatua whare. The decking of Horouta ki Poneke marae was set alight but fortunately the quick-thinking action of neighbours prevented further damage.

“We must be thankful that the whare tupuna was untouched at Taumata o te Ra – a sign indeed that their tupuna are watching over them” said Mrs Turia.

“Our tribal home, Whangaehu Marae, was erased by fire in 1980 and so I have a great understanding of the sense of loss being experienced by whanau, hapu and iwi who have borne the impacts of the fires lit in the lower Southern part of Te Tai Hauauru electorate over this last weekend”.

“I can well appreciate the reports I have seen of these descendants mourning their loss – as indeed I imagine the members of so many affected churches in the greater Wellington community” said Mrs Turia.

"It is absolutely inconceivable that fires are lit. It defies all thinking as to why.

“As whanau focus on the clean-up, clearing away debri and restoring their marae to its full strength, my thoughts are with them all”.