He Pānuitanga
nā Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust
Rāhoroi 25 Paengawhāwhā 2026 | Saturday 25 April 2026
He kōrero nā te Heamana
A note from the Chair
Kia ora e te whānau,
As we acknowledge ANZAC Day, we pause to remember those who served and sacrificed,
and reflect on the strength, resilience, and collective spirit that continues to guide us today.
Over the past month, many of our communities have felt the impacts of Cyclone Vaianu, with heavy winds, slips, and damage to road infrastructure across our rohe. We acknowledge the disruption this has caused to whānau, particularly those in more isolated areas, and we sincerely hope that all whānau are safe and well during this time.
These events are a clear reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of seasonal weather patterns, and the importance of preparedness and readiness across our marae and communities. As an iwi, we must continue to strengthen our collective resilience to ensure we are better equipped to respond and support one another when these events occur.
Our kaimahi have been actively engaging with marae, sharing updates and critical information through our social media channels, and undertaking surveys to better understand the immediate and ongoing needs of our whānau. This insight will guide how we respond and where support is most needed.
Amidst these challenges, it was uplifting to see the strength of our people at the Hauraki Games, with marae and whānau coming together in large numbers. A special acknowledgement to our Rangatahi team, who continue to lead from the front with over 300,000 views on Instagram, amplifying the voice, energy, and presence of our rangatahi across the rohe. This momentum is building, and we encourage whānau to keep an eye out for upcoming holiday programmes and opportunities.
As always, we remain committed to supporting our whānau, strengthening our marae, and preparing for what lies ahead.
The following information is in this pānui:
This section in our pānui "Whakanuia"
is to celebrate and recognise the mahi and achievements of our whānau – he uri o Tamaterā.
Got something special to celebrate?
Share your whānau’s mahi, achievements, or milestones with us by emailing admin@tamatera.iwi.nz.
He Mihi Nui - Celebrating Our Whānau Success
He kaupapa whakahīhī tēnei! E mihi ana ki a kōrua – ka mau te wehi! We proudly celebrate Elle Archer and Lisa Maree Tauroa, two members of our incredible whānau and team, who have recently graduated with Distinction from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha - University of Canterbury.
Elle (Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Hako, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tūhoe) completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA), with her thesis developing Kaunuku, a Localised Digital Equity Framework. Grounded in kaupapa Māori and global research, Kaunuku moves beyond access-only measures to assess six pou: Tuakiri, Whakaaweawe, Uruwhenua, Pūkenga, Whakapono, and Haumarutanga. The framework provides a holistic view of digital wellbeing and has now been adopted as Aotearoa’s National Digital Inclusion Framework, supporting more equitable, data-informed outcomes.
Lisa (Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Ngāti Hako, Waikato, Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Koata, Kāi Tahu) completed her Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership(MMIL). Her research and Dissertation explored the impacts of intergenerational disconnection and the healing required after the loss and diminishment of knowledge transfer across generations. Grounded in whakapapa and Indigenous ways of knowing, her work highlighted reconnection, whakapapa, and whanaungatanga as powerful pathways forward for healing, identity, and belonging.
“Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.”
Oranga Rangatahi
Matangireia Rangatahi Wānanga – Strong Start to 2026
Matangireia a powerful partnership between Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust and Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki, kicked off its first Rangatahi Wānanga at Manaia Marae (7–10 April), bringing together 80+ rangatahi from across the rohe.
This wānanga created a space for identity, connection, and transformation. Rangatahi engaged deeply in kaupapa, including Taiao & Kaitiakitanga, understanding their role as kaitiaki; Mau Rākau, building discipline and cultural strength; Hauora & Wellbeing, supporting mind, body, and wairua; and Ko Au Te Atua, a powerful space of reflection where rangatahi explored their own identity, mana, and potential.
A standout highlight was Keanu Manuel (Tū Tamure Arts), who shared his journey into whakairo and tā moko, bringing to life the responsibility, whakapapa, and meaning behind the art — culminating in a live piece that deeply resonated with all present.
Energy stayed high with Ki-o-Rahi, kākahu Kreation fashion, waiata, and tuakana-led leadership, while Ira Tāne and Ira Wāhine sessions created space for honest kōrero, vulnerability, and growth.
The impact extended far beyond the marae — 300,000+ views globally.
He tīmatanga kaha tēnei — building confident, connected rangatahi grounded in who they are.
Oranga Rangatahi - Ngāti Tamaterā (Instagram Page)
For the latest updates and all Kaupapa involving our Rangatahi, follow our Oranga Rangatahi Instagram page. Click the button below and then the follow button to stay informed.
Oranga Taiao
Pou Rāhui – Te Taurahere o Mahutonga Symposium
Ko te pae tawhiti whāia kia tata, ko te pae tata whakamaua kia tina.
Ngāti Tamaterā stood proudly alongside iwi partners at the Kaupapa Māori Research Symposium in Māngere, showcasing the strength of our Pou Rāhui and Mātai Moana kaupapa.
Our team presented our taura kūtai restoration mahi with powerful results. While commercial lines showed mixed growth with invasive species, our lines achieved clean kūtai-only settlement, validating a mātauranga Māori approach using tī kōuka aligned to Tīkapa Moana.
Our taiohi are leading the way actively diving, monitoring, and restoring the moana, supported by pathways into marine science and professional training.
We also shared our mahi tirotiro, reading the patterns of Tāwhirimātea to understand real-time impacts on our whenua and wai.
The message was clear: Mātauranga Māori leads. Science supports. Outcomes are real. Strong engagement across the symposium reinforced Ngāti Tamaterā as a credible, leading voice in moana restoration and iwi-led innovation.
Pou Rāhui - Ngāti Tamaterā Taiohi PADI Scuba Dive Training
Strengthening our future in the moana begins with investing in our people.
Over the Easter period, our Ngāti Tamaterā taiohi travelled to Whitianga to complete their PADI Open Water Scuba Dive Training as part of the ongoing development of our Mātai Moana capability within Ngāti Tamaterā.
Our rōpū included Kauri O’Brien, Hoera O’Brien, Te Amai Paul-Burke, Prof. Kura Paul-Burke, Kakara Tangatatai, and Te Kiniwe Kapua Tangatatai, supported through Darrell Bird & Dive Zone Whitianga, guided as part of the wider marine pathway led by Marutūāhu Skipper.
Training began with confined water pool sessions where taiohi developed core dive safety skills including buoyancy control, underwater communication, equipment handling, and emergency procedures. These foundational skills were then put into practice during their first open water shore dive at Matapaua Bay.
On day two, the team boarded the dive vessel ScubaDoo and travelled into Te Moananui-a-Toi to complete two further open water dives within the marine reserve areas surrounding Hahei. This gave our taiohi valuable experience in boat-based diving operations, open water navigation, and working confidently within real marine environments.
More than a dive course, this training represents a strategic investment in succession planning for Ngāti Tamaterā. Through practical marine training, our taiohi are building pathways into scientific diving, marine restoration, vessel operations, tertiary education, and future leadership within our iwi.
These shared experiences build trust, confidence, and the collective responsibility needed to grow strong future tangata tiaki for our rohe moana.
Under the Pou Rāhui kaupapa, we are not only restoring moana taonga species we are restoring people, knowledge, and intergenerational leadership in te taiao.
Looking to learn how to scuba dive? Our partners at Dive Zone Whitianga provide professional dive training, marine safety courses, and guided pathways from beginner Open Water certification through to advanced and instructor-level qualifications.
Whether you're starting your first dive journey or building toward a career on the moana, Dive Zone Whitianga has the experience and support to get you there.
Click the link below to learn more and begin your dive journey.
Click the link to watch the video -
Ngāti Tamaterā Taiohi PADI Scuba Training
Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui.
Mai i Mahurangi ki ngā Kuri a Whārei – Iwi Fisheries Forum
Ngāti Tamaterā joined iwi across the rohe at the Iwi Fisheries Forum, progressing critical discussions on fisheries management, iwi authority, and collective marine governance.
A key shift saw iwi lead the kōrero prioritising an iwi-only session to align positions before engaging with MPI. The message was clear: iwi must move beyond consultation to lead decision-making across customary, recreational, and commercial fisheries.
Discussions reinforced iwi roles in shaping High Protection Areas, mātaitai, closures, and rohe moana boundaries, alongside showcasing on-the-ground mahi including taura kūtai restoration, pāua recovery, and taiohi development.
A significant outcome was the formal establishment of the forum “Mai i Mahurangi ki ngā Kuri a Whārei” with Herearoha Skipper appointed interim Chair and quarterly hui confirmed.
The direction is clear: iwi-led, coordinated, and future-focused marine governance.
Ka ora te moana, ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata.
He Wānanga Taiao – Protecting Our Whenua & Wai
Ngāti Tamaterā, in partnership with National Iwi Chairs Forum Pou Take Āhuarangi, is hosting a regional climate and resource management hui right here in Te Puru. Proudly facilitated by Tina Porou of Poipoia.
Tuesday, 26 May 2026
11:00am – 2:00pm
Te Puru Community Centre, 4 West Crescent, Te Puru, Thames 3500
E te iwi this one matters. The decisions being made now will shape the future of our whenua, wai, and moana. This wānanga is about ensuring our people are informed, prepared, and leading the kōrero.
Key kaupapa:
- Climate Change Response Act updates
- ETS and impacts on whenua
- Resource Management reform & planning changes
- Nature-based opportunities for iwi
- Natural Environment & Planning Bills
This is about protecting our taonga and unlocking opportunity — not being on the back foot.
Bring your whakaaro, your pātai, your whānau. Light refreshments provided. Don’t miss out.
Registration
Please register for your regional hui using the following link:
Pou Take Āhuarangi Registration Form
Oranga Ōhanga
Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga - Business Mentorship
Through Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga, we are beginning to connect iwi business owners
and emerging entrepreneurs through a business mentorship initiative.
This kaupapa will support:
- Knowledge sharing between experienced and emerging business owners
- Practical advice on business growth and development
- Strengthening the Ngāti Tamaterā business network
Mentorship will help build capability across our business community and support whānau who are exploring enterprise opportunities.
Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga
Business spotlight
Another initiative being developed is the Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga Business Spotlight,
which highlights iwi-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
This will:
- Celebrate the achievements of our iwi business community
- Increase visibility of Ngāti Tamaterā enterprises
- Encourage whānau to support iwi businesses
If you are a Ngāti Tamaterā business owner and would like to be featured or included in the Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga network, we encourage you to reach out - admin@tamatera.iwi.nz
Together, these initiatives are helping to strengthen our iwi business ecosystem and support whānau to participate in the growing economic opportunities across our rohe.
Business Spotlight
Koukou Creatives
Koukou was established in 2015 as a solution for authentic and appropriate Māori branding and design services. They endeavour to uphold the integrity of our ancestors, to honour them, in both the projects they create and the relationships they forge.
Koukou Creatives integrate mātauranga Māori to create original, appropriate and inspiring designs to showcase your kaupapa and give it wings.
Their happy place is working together with their clients – the manaaki of getting to know you and your business and discovering and understanding your aspirations so they can design mahi that will elevate your pakihi.
Guided by your vision and concept, Koukou Creatives capture the identity of your brand in an inspiring and authentic way. With a relaxed approach they make the process enjoyable, where the principles of te ao Māori inform every aspect.
Contact details:
027 2534 228
kiaora@koukou.nz
Oranga Whānau
Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust Iwi Membership Registrations
Kia ora e te whānau!
A friendly reminder to register with the Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust. By registering, you’ll:
- Have your say in trustee elections and voting on key kaupapa
- Access information, resources, and updates directly for whānau and marae
- Ensure your whakapapa is connected and recognised within the iwi register
- Be part of shaping the future of Ngāti Tamaterā through a strong collective voice
It only takes a few minutes to register – and your registration ensures you and your whānau can fully benefit from the mahi of the Trust.
FREE Whānau Zoo Day Out!
E te whānau, kua tae te wā! We’re bringing our people together for a FREE whānau day out at Auckland Zoo on Saturday, 23rd May 2026, 10 am.
This is all about Oranga Whānau, creating space for our tamariki, mokopuna, pakeke, mātua, and kaumātua to come together, connect, and enjoy a fun day out. He wā ki te whakakotahi, ki te whakangahau, ki te tūtaki anō i te whānau;
- Spend quality time with your whānau
- Meet and connect with other Ngāti Tamaterā whānau
- Create memories with our tamariki and mokopuna
- Enjoy a relaxed, fun day in a beautiful setting
We know travel can be a barrier, so we’ve organised a bus for our Hauraki whānau. Fuel costs shouldn’t stop anyone from being part of this kaupapa.
Register by clicking the button below. Spaces are limited - don’t miss out!
Haere mai e te whānau – let’s make it a day to remember!
Drivers License Wānanga
He ara ki te oranga, ki te mahi, ki te haumaru. Our upcoming Drivers License Wānanga is back, and this is one you don’t want to miss.
Cause Collective - 15 Earl Richardson Ave, Wiri, Manukau, Auckland
Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 May
Having a license isn’t just a piece of plastic, it’s access to employment, independence, and safer roads for all our whānau. Many jobs now require a full or restricted licence, and this wānanga is designed to remove barriers and set you up to pass.
Ngāti Tamaterā has already delivered 4 wānanga with a 100% pass rate, backed by strong collaboration with Auckland Transport to provide wrap-around support, guidance, and confidence every step of the way.
- Practical support
- Expert guidance
- Safe driving knowledge
- Pathways to mahi
Bring yourself, bring your whānau — let’s get you licensed and moving forward.
Register now – spaces are limited! Don’t miss out.
General Elections 2026 – Our Voice, Our Future
In 2026, Aotearoa heads to the polls on the 7th of November, and our voice matters.
General elections shape the decisions that affect our whānau every day: housing, education, environmental protection, employment, health, and the future of Te Tiriti partnerships. These policies influence funding for kura, support for rangatahi, protection of our taiao, and the wellbeing of our kaumātua.
Voting is more than ticking a box, it is a way to honour those who came before us and to shape the world our tamariki will inherit. Whether you are voting for the first time or have voted many times before, your participation strengthens our collective influence.
Make sure you are enrolled, informed, and ready.
When we vote, we show up for our whānau, our whenua, and our future.
Oranga Mātauranga
Digital Futures in Action
He kaupapa whakamua tēnei! Our Digital Technology & Innovation Programme is gaining strong momentum, in partnership with Sir Peter Blake Trust and Young Animators, with a goal to reach up to 1,000 tauira across Tāmaki and Hauraki.
This kaupapa is about more than tech, it’s about future workforce pathways, digital capability, and indigenous storytelling. Tauira will take part in hands-on workshops in digital storytelling and animation, grounded in Ngāti Tamaterā narratives and connection to place.
Two kura will produce two digital resources, building a growing repository of iwi-led content while strengthening identity, creativity, and confidence.
Progress has advanced with formal partnerships now in place, providing clear delivery milestones and measurable outcomes, while strengthening relationships across our rohe.
A key highlight is a rangatahi leadership pathway, with selected senior tauira supported to attend the BLAKE Inspire programme in 2026.
Koinei te ara — building skills for tomorrow, grounded in who we are today.
Oranga Ahurea
Te Reo Pakiaka – Registrations are open
Following Term 1 planning, Te Reo Pakiaka moves into Year 2 with 18 online sessions across Terms 2–4, and kaiako confirmed from 2025 to ensure consistency and quality.
Led by Koro Ngāpō, delivery is supported by a highly experienced team, including Te Panekiretanga o Te Reo Māori graduates and seasoned kaiako grounded in Hauraki tikanga and mātauranga.
Year 1 demonstrated strong reach and impact, with 307 tauira engaged across the programme, including participants from across the motu and Australia. Feedback highlights increased confidence in using te reo in whānau, marae, and everyday settings, alongside strengthened identity and cultural connection.
A key focus for Year 2 is the development of at-home learning resources, supporting whānau to continue their reo journey beyond sessions.
Te Reo Pakiaka remains a critical pathway for reo revitalisation in Hauraki, strengthening capability, connection, and intergenerational transmission of te reo Māori.
Pānuitanga Hapori
Protecting Our Moana – Supporting Regional Rāhui
Ngāti Tamaterā proudly supported the kaupapa led by Ngāti Manuhiri and attended the recent open day in Whangaparāoa, affirming our commitment to restoring the health of our moana.
The Minister of Oceans and Fisheries has implemented a two-year closure (March 2026–March 2028) across Auckland’s east coast, alongside a rāhui placed by Ngāti Manuhiri over key areas including Ōmaha, Kawau, and Whangaparāoa. This is a critical step toward restoring depleted intertidal ecosystems and kaimoana.
Ngāti Tamaterā strongly aligns with this approach. Through our Pou Rāhui kaupapa, we are actively researching and planning restoration to rebuild the mauri of Tīkapa Moana, guided by mātauranga Māori and kaitiakitanga.
Locally, our own rāhui remains in place across Te Mātā to Waipatukahu until August 2026, protecting key species for future generations.
He mahi kotahi – restoring our moana together.
