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Landmark legislation will be passed in the house restoring
the character, mana and reputation of a man
who was wrongfully executed by the Crown almost 150 years ago.
Mokomoko of Whakatohea
was pardoned for the *** of the missionary Carl Volkner.
But his descendants insisted further action needs to be taken
to restore their family name.
He was wrongly accused of murdering missionary Carl Volkner
over 150 years ago and Whakatohea's rangatira,
Mokomoko, paid with his life.
Even today his debt continues.
My deepest sympathies go out
to the descendants of Mokomoko,
who are still affected by the injustice.
Mokomoko pleaded innocence, to no avail.
Embedded in the history of Te Whakatohea
is a deep-seated feeling of injustice.
If it's just words, then that's not the end.
Mokomoko was arrested and convicted of the crime
and sent to Mt Eden Prison.
He was buried there for over 123 years.
The Crown realised their fault
and released his remains to be returned to
Waiaua Marae in Opotiki.
The family's commitment to right the wrongs for the injustices
that impacted on their ancestor.
Mokomoko's pardon will offer to
restore Mokomoko's character, mana and reputation;
alleviate any ongoing shame or stigma placed upon the family;
acknowledge the lack of consultation by the Crown with the family.
Hone Harawira also says all reference relating to Mokomoko
should be corrected in history.
The Government can write a book to correct this injustice in history
and take out all the lies.
Whakatohea and the Mokomoko family will arrive at Parliament
tomorrow for the first reading of the Mokomoko Bill.
Tini Molyneux, Te Karere.