Published in: Kokiri Issue 25 - Hui-tanguru - Poutū-te-rangi 2012
The wrongful conviction and execution of Te Whakatōhea rangatira Mokomoko in 1866, for the murder of Reverend Carl Volkner, reached a milestone in the journey to justice by the great chief’s whānau.
At Waiaua Marae 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.
During the signing, the Minister acknowledged that the Crown had made mistakes in how the pardon was handled when originally granted in 1992. The pardon deems that Mokomoko never committed the offence, for which he was ultimately convicted and executed.
More than 100 members of the Mokomoko whānau were present at the signing ceremony.
Karen Mokomoko, descendant of Mokomoko and secretary of the leadership group, said the day was a mixture of joy and sadness. “We’re elated the Crown recognised the need to formally restore our tupuna’s mana, character and reputation and pleased they acknowledged this should have taken place in 1992. It’s saddening that getting to this point has taken so long and many of our kaumātua are no longer with us, unable to witness this occasion. However, this journey has provided opportunities to connect and re-connect with whānau - new faces and old which essentially, is the heart of our story”.
Two weeks after the signing, on 12 October 2011, the Mokomoko Pardon (Restoration of Character, Mana and Reputation) Bill was introduced into the House.
The 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.
Te Puni Kōkiri’s Policy wāhanga and Te Moana ā Toi regional office worked closely with the leadership group to negotiate the terms of the agreement, and assist them through an endorsement process with the wider whānau.