This petition is to raise awareness and rally support to abolish perpetual leases in current legislation that continues to gridlock Māori landowners. Presently, the terms of perpetual leases have inhibited the mana whenua of Tokomaru Bay, Tuatini Māori Township Block settlement, 90 Km North of Gisborne having full control over the administration and development of the whenua, current call for change is being led by many, but one wahine toa, Tina Olsen-Ratana, has been vocal and active on behalf of whānau. The current mission is to fulfil the obligations of our tipuna and whakapapa by recommending the rewrite of what has been said to be century-old legislation, and rightfully return the mana back to the people. Our hapū continues to be active in seeking reciprocity from the Crown by reaching out to leaders in parliament and iwi and demonstrating the immense capabilities, skills, and determination of the people of Te Tuatini Township to have a chance to manage the whenua and reduce homelessness and poverty for our whānau. 

The whenua is leased out to a number of groups, it provides a paltry income for its beneficiaries and is subject to legislation which severely limits the owners' options. Little money incurred by the leases is invested in the township, leaving a wake of repairs for decaying buildings and properties and a loss of earnings/income for over 900 years. There are beneficiary owners of Māori Reserve land known as the Tuatini Māori Township Blocks who support the abolishment of perpetual leases because this will then unlock land for all Tangata whenua to return, camp and live on the land. If this petition is successful! this would ensure a sustainable future, including restoring the cultural and environmental landscape to create aspirational opportunities for all our whānau hapori, hapū and iwi now and into the future.  

Please support abolishing the perpetual leases of the Tuatini Māori Township by signing this petition to remove old legislation and make changes for the rightful owners and determiners of local whānau Māori wellbeing and health.  Whānau we need 20,000 signatures to make this happen. Please tautoko/support and sign, as this will mean change for all hapū, iwi and whānau overall! ngā mihi (note: donations are optional and go towards the change.org petition website, which helps with promotion, marketing and online digital technology - it is great to have such a site for all to freely use).