Waerenga Research
Ka mua, ka muri: Te hononga o te whakapapa me te anamata
Stage Two: The History of Waerenga (1954–2026)
Stage Two focuses on documenting and analysing the history of Waerenga from 1954 to 2026, capturing the lived experiences, decisions, leadership, and intergenerationalaspirations that have shaped the incorporation. This phase builds on earlier foundationalwork and moves toward a comprehensive, culturally grounded historical record.
Kaupapa and Approach
Waerenga Incorporation operates as an economic development entity grounded in kaupapa Māori and te ao Māori principles. These values guide both the project methodology and the way the history is interpreted, protected, and shared.
Anchoring the narrative in the genealogical connections to hapu and whenua,
ensuring the history reflects the people and land from which it originates.
Strengthening relationships with marae, tūpuna, and whānau, recognising that
the story of Waerenga is inseparable from the collective identity of its people.
Upholding the responsibility entrusted by hapu and whānau to manage,
protect, and represent their interests with integrity, accountability, and long-
term vision.
Affirming the right of Waerenga to define, hold, and tell its own history and
maintaining autonomy over its narratives, decisions, and future direction.