In a historic, world-first partnership, central North Island iwi Ngāti Rangi and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) have signed a landmark agreement to commence construction on 50 new homes at Waiouru Military Camp.
The new development, named Ururangi after the full name of the settlement, Wai O Ururangi, represents a key milestone under the Government’s “Homes for Families” programme and a concrete commitment to the Ngāti Rangi Treaty of Waitangi Settlement, Rukutia Te Mana.
At a ceremony held at Rongomaraeroa Marae in Waiouru, tribal leaders and military officials gathered to formalize the agreement. For Ngāti Rangi, the build is not just about infrastructure, representing a profound reconnection to land from which they have long been alienated.
“Putting pen to paper sort of marks the culmination of years of work,” said Tomairangi Mareikura, Chair of Te Tōtarahoe O Paerangi. “The kāinga that will be built here will be for defence personnel and their whānau, but what’s important for us as Ngāti Rangi is the ability for us to put ourselves back here at place.”
Mareikura noted that the iwi has been alienated from this ancestral land (whenua) since the early 1900s when it was first taken, with subsequent land acquisitions in the 1930s to formally establish the military base.
“We understand that the Defence Force is here for a long time, but Ngāti Rangi is here forever,” Mareikura added.
Chief of Army Major General Rose King joined Mareikura in signing the agreement and acknowledged the vital role of the iwi as landowners and partners.
“The whenua belongs to Ngāti Rangi, as with Mōkai Pātea and Tūwharetoa when we look at the whole training area, and that’s not lost on me,” Major General King said. “As the Defence Force, we have a role to do, and without looking after our whānau, without looking after our people, they won’t be able to serve.”
Addressing past challenges, Major General King expressed strong optimism about the path forward. “I know we’ve had challenges, but a true relationship to me is about how we work together and forge forward, which I’m really confident we will do with Ngāti Rangi.”
“It’s a community effort to do anything, I believe—whether it’s raising a child, whether it’s delivering in the Defence Force and we’re stronger when we’re united together,” she said.
The partnership is also expected to create broader social and economic benefits for the local community through ongoing construction and related activities.
“We’re really keen to see opportunities for our people here through the activities that are undertaken, including the build and other kaupapa that happens,” Mareikura said, noting the high level of activity at Waiouru.
The project was officially initiated with the unveiling of an Onewa stone on the build site, symbolizing a strong and enduring bond between Ngāti Rangi and the New Zealand Defence Force that will continue to grow for generations to come.