The New Zealand Government is investing $20 million in building repairs and improvements at the historic sites of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Rātana Pā. These two significant locations serve as venues for politicians during the summer months, playing crucial roles in New Zealand’s history, culture, politics, and faith.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka confirmed the funding on Sunday afternoon, emphasizing that this investment is essential to enable these sites to continue accommodating the thousands of visitors they receive annually. The funds demonstrate a continued commitment from the Government towards supporting sites of national importance as well as Māori and regional communities.

Key Points

1. $20 million in funding for building repairs and improvements at Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Rātana Pā
2. Funding shows a commitment to support important national sites and communities
3. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds receive approximately 160,000 visitors per year
4. Grant for water infrastructure to the pacifist Māori community at Parihaka Pā was confirmed in September

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Operated by a committee consisting of tangata whenua, Crown, and other iwi representatives, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds will receive $10.2 million for building upgrades to ensure successful and safe hosting of the annual Waitangi Day events. The ministers’ joint statement noted that this would continue to make the grounds a significant site for all New Zealanders.

Rātana Pā

Rātana Pā, which hosts politicians from across Parliament during its annual celebrations in January, will receive $10.1 million for upgrading buildings Te Manuao and Orakeinui. The site is a gathering place each year for followers of Te Haahi Rātana and politicians to celebrate the birthday of Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana, the prophet who founded the faith.

The grants were issued from the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund, which was established as part of a New Zealand First coalition commitment and is led by Jones as regional development minister. This investment is intended to support infrastructure projects in regions throughout the country, enhancing their economic growth and promoting local communities.