The Tommy Solomon Memorial Trust Foundation

Tu Tangata, Issue 34, 1 February 1987, Page 22

The Tommy Solomon Memorial Trust Foundation

This trust was formed in January 1984 from a family gathering of descendants of Tommy Solomon. Chairman Maui Solomon says the Trust’s purpose is to promote historical awareness of the Moriori people from the Chatham Islands (known as Rekohu) and thereby ensure that the culture, heritage and tragic extinction of the Moriori remains a recognised feature of New Zealand’s early history.”

Maui says there is considerable misinformation surrounding even the existence of the Moriori and he says, “we are tired of being told our Moriori ancestors did not exist”.

“I am proud of my Moriori background. My grandfather, (Tommy Solomon) married Whakarewa Rene, a Maori. My father married a Pakeha so I am quarter Maori, quarter Moriori and half Pakeha. I identify strongly with my Maori background, our home marae is Arowhenua. But I treasure my Moriori background as much.”

The unveiling of the statue of Tommy Solomon is the first completed project of the trust through committees fundraising in Auckland, Ashburton, Temuka and Rekohu. The Department of Maori Affairs financed the unveiling ceremony and has published a commemorative booklet for use in schools and educational institutes.