In 1838, mana whenua entrusted 1333 acres of land to the Church Missionary Society (CMS) to safeguard Māori interests and support the church and community. It was to be held in a trust and not to be sold for a profitable purpose.
After the Battle of Gate Pa in 1864, and the land confiscations that followed, the CMS gave 80 percent of the trust land to the Crown. Mana whenua objected and argued that if it was not to be used for its original purpose, the land should be given back.
The site became Tauranga council land and in 1995 it was formally transferred to the council for municipal buildings.
A united community
In 2014, the Otamataha Trust was formed by an Act of Parliament. At this time, some of the land purchased by CMS from Ngāi Tamarāwaho in 1838 and 1839 was returned to the Otamataha Trust. In 2022, Te Manawataki o Te Papa Charitable Trust, a council-controlled organisation (CCO) was established. Jointly governed by the Otamataha Trust and Tauranga City Council, the new CCO helped form a pathway forward to help reconcile past events and restore mana to hapū and iwi.
Future vision
In the spirit of partnership and co-ownership, Te Manawataki o Te Papa is being developed as an inclusive community space that reflects the original kaupapa as outlined in the trust that was formed by CMS and tangata whenua in the 1830s. It will be a place to engage with the history of the whenua, share stories, and celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Tauranga Moana.
In line with the reconciliation process, mana whenua has a voice in the design and development process, enabling the stories behind Te Papa to be told faithfully through design, art and building methods. The site will include a new library, an exhibition space, a museum and a civic whare. The civic whare, which replaces the old council chambers, will resemble a big meeting house and provide the appropriate space for welcoming visitors to the city.
Healing for Tauranga Moana
The original kaupapa at Te Papa was clearly expressed in the trust that was formed in 1834. The heart of this whenua was then made to stop beating through the actions and conflict that beset the region and the rest of Aotearoa through a tumultuous period in our history.
Under the spirit of partnership that has followed, the future of Te Papa now reflects its original purpose. And it goes much further than that. It will draw from the mauri that fed its original kaupapa, while providing a firm foundation for its future use and enjoyment. It will be an inclusive space where Tauranga residents and visitors can feel comfortable and welcome. A space that contributes to a thriving city centre while adding to community pride, creating a legacy for future generations.
Under the watchful auspices of the Otamataha Trust and Tauranga City Council, the heart of Te Papa will start beating again.