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National | Farmers

Native Affairs - The Gift

In 1962 a Pākeha farmer from the Wairarapa bequeathed half his farm to be used for the benefit of Wairarapa Māori.

Since then, Edward Holmes's gift has enabled the Māori Education Trust to hand out millions of dollars in scholarships.

But now the Trust is selling his gift on the open market.

Local Iwi, Ngāti Kahungunu – Wairarapa, wanted to buy the farm, but the Trust is selling it to private interests.

It’s a move that has angered Māori and politicians alike.