On 12 October 2011, the Mokomoko Pardon (Restoration of Character, Mana and Reputation) Bill was introduced into the House.
Published: Rāpare, 03 Whiringa ā-rangi, 2011 | Thursday, 3 November 2011
On 12 October 2011, the Mokomoko Pardon (Restoration of Character, Mana and Reputation) Bill was introduced into the House.
The Bill provides for the statutory recognition of the pardon provided to Te Whakatōhea rangatira Mokomoko in 1992 for his alleged involvement in the murder of Reverend Carl Volkner in 1865. The pardon deems that Mokomoko never committed the offence, for which he was ultimately convicted and executed. Mokomoko’s three co-accused received a statutory pardon through the Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa establishment legislation in 1988. This Bill is an important part of the healing process for Te whānau a Mokomoko, as the pardon he received will now be recognised in statute. The Crown, through the bill, has expressed its regret for the suffering of the whānau, and has expressly sought to restore his character, mana and reputation. The content of the bill was agreed with the whānau prior to its introduction.
On 28 September 2011, the Minister of Māori Affairs signed the Agreement to Introduce Legislation to Give Statutory Recognition to the Mokomoko Pardon with Te whānau a Mokomoko Leadership Group at Waiaua Marae. Over 100 members of the whānau were present at the signing ceremony.
Representatives from Te Puni Kōkiri’s Policy wāhanga and Te Moana a Toi regional offices worked closely with the leadership group to negotiate the terms of this agreement, and assist them through a process with the wider whānau to endorse the agreement.