Despite the events of the previous century, Moriori resumed positions of prominence on Rēkohu (Chatham Island) in the 20th century, through to today.. Tame Horomona Rehe (Tommy Solomon) was a successful businessman and farmer in the 1920s and early 1930s. Other descendants of Moriori, notably the Davis and Preece families, were influential in local government and community affairs from the 1940s. More recently descendants have been involved in claims to the Waitangi Tribunal and in the development of Moriori organisations, such as the Tchakat Henu Association and the current Hokotehi Moriori Trust.
Hokotehi are the legally mandated body that represent Moriori in their dealings with the crown and among their many responsibilities, are responsible for ensuring that the cultural renaissance of Moriori continues.
Moriori are engaged in a vigorous cultural revival which began with a New Zealand television documentary in 1980. In dispelling some long-held myths, it raised the consciousness of many Moriori descendants. Among the fallacies laid to rest were;
· that the Moriori were a separate race, distinct from Polynesians,
· and that they had died out completely.
It triggered a wave of activity that began in 1985 with the raising of a statue on Rēkohu of Tommy Solomon, the last full-blooded Moriori.
In 2005 the Kopinga Marae was opened by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, giving offical recognition to Moriori as a people and as the original inhabitants of the islands.
Hokotehi have worked to increase the asset base for Moriori and have completed purchases of Kaingaroa farm, Henga Farm, Chatham Lodge and have a joint venture intitiative going with Ngai Tahu at Whangaroa Seafoods.
One of the exciting prospects for Moriori is the development of the “Rekohu Experience”, incorporating a range of unit plans and activities for educators to teach, and school camps opportunities, using Kopinga marae as the base for school groups from around the world.
Chatham Lodge also offers the opportunity for unique cultural tours building on the close relationship between hosting at the Lodge and at the Marae.
Click on the following links to check out the website of Education Resources, which has been built by Kopi Holdings Ltd to highlight these opportunities.
