Rāmere 18 Hōngongoi 2025 | Friday 18 July 2025

Final Reminder: EOI for Interim Trustees Closes Soon!

Whānau mā, time is running out! If you’ve been thinking about stepping up to help guide Ngāti Tamaterā into the next phase of our settlement journey — now is the moment.

We’re calling for Expressions of Interest for 1 or 2 Interim Trustee roles on the Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust.

If you’re passionate about tikanga-based governance, iwi development, and the future of our people, we want to hear from you!

• EOI closes at 5pm, Thursday 31 July 2025
• Apply with your Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, and three nominations (must be registered in the Ngāti Tamaterā iwi database).

Click the button below for the full details and application form

He uri nō Ngāti Tamaterā? He manawa tītī? This kaupapa needs you.

The following information is in this pānui:



Oranga Rangatahi

Ngāti Tamaterā Oranga Rangatahi Wānanga #2 

3–5 Hōngongoi 2025 | Te Pai o Hauraki Marae

Manawa maiea te putanga o Matariki, manawa maiea te ariki o te rangi, manawa maiea te Mātahi o te tau. Ngā tini whetū ki te rangi ka hōrapa ki te whenua. 

Tīhei Mauri Ora kia tātou, e hīkaka tonu te ngākau – I’m still buzzing from our recent Oranga Rangatahi Wānanga 2.

The energy, the laughter, the deep kōrero, the beautiful hautapu, and the way our rangatahi showed up with open hearts – it was something truly special. 

Our kaupapa matua was centered on Kaitiakitanga, Taiao, Maramataka and Matariki — encouraging our rangatahi to reconnect with the environment, gain some understanding of ngā taka o te marama, and recognise their role as kaitiaki of both whenua and whānau.

A key highlight was our Hautapu ceremony held early Friday morning, where our rangatahi participated in an uplifting and spiritual acknowledgment to Matariki, led by Turei Peeke and our Taiohi leads. It was moving to watch our rangatahi fully engaged during the Hautapu ceremony.

Throughout the wānanga, the rangatahi took part in a series of powerful and purposeful workshops:

• Matariki Whakawhetai / Rangi Pokiha – A reflective session focused on gratitude, aspirations, and the spiritual meaning behind the Matariki cluster. Rangatahi were encouraged to write a poem or rap to give thanks, let go, and set intentions for the year ahead.
• Healthy Relationships / Mahinarangi Skipper – "This kaupapa opened space for honest kōrero about healthy connections, self-respect, and navigating relationships in a safe, culturally grounded way."
• Mau Rākau / Punehu Wilson – "Through the art of taiaha, rangatahi strengthened their sense of discipline, confidence, and connection using different leg movements and rākau routine."
• Matariki Hākari / Tairiri Skipper & Jackie Wikaira - "As part of our Matariki kaupapa, our rangatahi took part in a special Hākari Workshop, where they were split into three rōpū, each responsible for preparing a different kai dish to contribute to our shared hākari. This hands-on activity was all about learning the value of manaakitanga in a marae setting — working together, showing care through kai, and understanding the importance of manaakitanga as part of our tikanga. It was a beautiful way to end the day."
• Guest Speakers / We were privileged to host two Rangatahi guest speakers both from Hauraki: Tahu Hollis and Te Ahipourewa Forbes who shared their own powerful story of resilience, growth and determination, reminding our rangatahi to stay grounded and proud of who they are, but also to work hard towards what they want in life. 

Rangatahi Feedback & Evaluation

At the conclusion of our wānanga, we gathered feedback from our rangatahi to understand their experiences, what resonated with them, and what we could improve for future wānanga. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many of our rangatahi expressing how much they enjoyed the hands-on workshops—especially the Matariki Hautapu and hākari activities and the opportunity to learn more about ngā taka o te marama and kaitiakitanga.

One key highlight for many, was the kai—rangatahi gave a lot of positive feedback about the delicious meals prepared during the wānanga, and how the hākari experience taught them more about manaakitanga and working as a team.

Our mau rākau sessions were another standout, giving rangatahi a sense of discipline, cultural pride, and physical challenge.

Guest speakers also made a strong impact, with rangatahi feeling inspired and connected through the kōrero that was shared.

A powerful moment from the wānanga came through in the wellbeing space, where one rangatahi shared, “It’s okay to talk about our feelings – and it’s okay not to be okay.” This kind of vulnerability and peer support reflects the safe, supportive environment we are striving to nurture.

We will take on board all feedback as we continue to grow and shape our wānanga to reflect the needs, voices, and aspirations of our tamariki and rangatahi.

Hei whakakapi, he mihi maioha tēnei ki ngā ringawera, ngā ringa hāpai, ngā kai kōrero, ngā whānau me ngā rangatahi kua kaha tautoko i tēnei o ngā kaupapa. I te mutunga iho, mo ngā uri te take. 

✨ Our next Oranga Rangatahi Wānanga is coming up in September  — keep an eye out for pānui, registrations, and updates. We can’t wait to see our rangatahi back with us again!

Ngā mihi manahau

Ngareta Skipper

Oranga Taiao

Pou Rāhui – The state of our kūtai

Traditional kūtai beds along the Thames Coast were once abundant and sustained local whānau through generations. However, commercial mussel aquaculture elsewhere in Tīkapakapa disrupted natural spat drift and heavy predation from invasive cushion stars and native 11-arm starfish, which can rapidly decimate juvenile and adult kūtai on restored reefs, contributing to the decline of these intertidal beds. In the early 2000s, local hapū and community groups began restoration efforts, coastal monitoring and advocating for marine protection. Despite these efforts, poor water quality continues to prevent kūtai from re-establishing prolifically within our coastal ecosystems.

Water quality in Tīkapa Moana has been under increasing pressure from decades of land use, urban development, sedimentation, and nutrient runoff. These impacts have led to the degradation of our Waihou and Piako awa, which flow into Tīkapakapa coffee-coloured year-round. Elevated levels of nitrogen and fine sediment from agriculture, forestry, and stormwater continue to disrupt the delicate ecological balance, contributing to algal blooms and declining water clarity. Despite these challenges, efforts by mana whenua, community groups, and agencies are underway to restore the health of the Gulf through rāhui, marine restoration, riparian planting, and improved catchment management.

Preparing the next generation for kaitiakitanga requires active capacity building and succession planning, ensuring rangatahi are equipped with a base in mātauranga Māori & pūtaiao, practical skills, and leadership opportunities to carry forward the protection and restoration of te taiao. This is a priority requisite for the Pou Rāhui project.

Oranga Ōhanga

3 Months to Go – Hauraki Māori Business Awards Are Coming!

Get ready whānau – the countdown is on! With just 3 months to go, the team behind the inaugural Hauraki Māori Business Awards has been working hard behind the scenes to bring you an unforgettable night of celebration, inspiration, and mana motuhake.

Save the Date:

Friday 17 October 2025
Te Aroha Silver Fern Farms Event Centre, 44 Stanley Avenue, Te Aroha
Doors open 5.30 pm

This extraordinary evening will honour the innovation, excellence, and leadership of our Māori business community across the rohe. Whether you're a start-up, a creative, a rangatahi entrepreneur, or a well-established enterprise, this is your moment to shine.

✨ Award Categories Include:

• Ko te tohu kounga mō te taiao | Environmental Excellence Award
  
  
• Ko te tohu whakanui mō te hauora me te toiora | Wellbeing & Social Impact Award
  
  
• Ko te tohu whakanui mō te kaipakihi hou | New Horizons Award
  
  
• Ko te tohu kounga mō te ringarehe me te ahumahi | Trades & Industry Excellence Award
  
  
• Ko te tohu whakanui mō te taiohi | Rangatahi Leadership Award

• Ko te tohu whakanui mō te ringatoi | Creative Visionary Award

• Ko te tohu toi tongarewa o ngā rangi | Supreme Excellence Award
  

Apply your business or grab your tickets now by clicking the button below — let’s fill the room with pride, purpose, and potential!

Together, let’s celebrate the brilliance of Hauraki Māori businesses.

National Iwi Chairs Forum

NICF Declares Mana Motuhake

Over 70 iwi from across Aotearoa gathered at Te Poho o Rawiri Marae in Tūranga this July for the National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF). Together, iwi leaders reaffirmed a powerful message:

“Ko mātou ko ngā tino rangatira e mea ana – ka mau tonu te mana motuhake, ā, mō ake tonu atu.” We have never ceded sovereignty, and our mana motuhake endures.

Key kaupapa included:

• Pou Tikanga: Our tikanga is law – it upholds our reo, kawa, and constitutional standing.
  
  
• Pou Tahua: Iwi-led economies must drive intergenerational prosperity, housing, and land restoration.
  
  
• Pou Taiao & Āhuarangi: Climate leadership is rooted in whakapapa. Iwi will lead resilience strategies that centre marae, hapū, and te taiao.
  
  
• Pou Tangata: Solutions in health, housing, and education must be whānau-designed, not Crown-controlled.
  
  

A key highlight: the upcoming COP30 in Brazil, where NICF will send a rangatahi Māori delegation to present indigenous climate solutions to the world.

“Success is in succession” – the call to action is clear: whānau, hapū, and iwi must lead through our values, invest in our mokopuna, and chart our own future.

He waka kōtuia kāhore e tukutukua ngā mimira – united, we move forward.

Oranga Whānau

Are You Registered with Ngāti Tamaterā?

Whānau, now’s the time!

Make sure you and your wider whānau are officially registered with Ngāti Tamaterā.

It’s quick, it’s easy, and it means you won’t miss out on important updates, events, wānanga, funding opportunities, and more.

• Stay connected
• Be first to hear about kaupapa
• Have your voice heard
• Strengthen whakapapa ties

Register today by clicking the button below and get your aunties, uncles, cousins, tamariki and mokopuna signed up too!

It only takes a few minutes — don’t wait!

Korowai & Kākahu Wānanga in Tāmaki

Weaving Whakapapa and Whānau Together

We’re now four wānanga into our six-week korowai and kākahu journey, and the mahi has been incredible. Our rōpū has embraced the opportunity to reconnect with the weaving skills handed down by our tūpuna, learning the tikanga, patience, and beauty woven into every strand. It’s been a powerful space for whānau to upskill, share, and create taonga together. The excitement is building as we continue this kaupapa, especially knowing we’ll be able to offer more wānanga for our whānau living in Tāmaki Makaurau. Mā te mahi ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama!

Mahi Raranga Wānanga in Hauraki

Nau mai, haere mai to our 6-Week Kete Programme:

Step into a journey of reconnection and creativity, guided by the poutama model, a pathway of learning through progressive steps.

Beginning with the foundations of harakeke:

Kaupapa, whakapapa,  and tikanga  form the base of your learning. Each taonga (gift) you create builds upon the last, gradually deepening your skills and understanding.

By Kete 6, you’ll explore the power of the whiri (plait), a sacred technique that binds together people, kete, whāriki, and the pūreke (rain cape).

Come join us on this amazing introduction journey, and discover how harakeke weaves not only fibre, but hāpori, whakapapa, taonga tuku iho.

WĀNANGA DETAILS:

Overnight wānanga:

Fri 1/08 - Sat 2/08

Fri 15/08 - Sun 17/08

Fri 22/08 - Sun 24/08

Half day wānanga: 6pm-9pm

Wed 6/08, Wed 13/08, Wed 20/08

WHERE: Te Pai o Hauraki marae, 3 Papaturoa Avenue, Paeroa

Age: 16 years+

Cost: FREE

There are only 20 spaces available, so register quick! Commitment is crucial, please only register if you can commit to all the workshops.

Register by clicking the button below!

Any pātai please contact Anita Watene: 021 224 7763 or wateneanitalee73@gmail.com

Local Elections 2025 – Your Vote, Your Voice, Your Future

Whānau living across the motu get ready!

The 2025 local elections are just around the corner, and nominations are now open! This is our chance to help shape decisions that affect our whānau, whenua, and future.

Whether it's housing, parks, transport, or how te Tiriti is upheld in Tāmaki Makaurau — your vote matters. Let’s lift Māori voter turnout and support candidates who hold strong values, understand our communities, and are committed to te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Whānau – have you ever thought about standing yourself? You can be that voice for your marae, your hapū, your tamariki.

Nominations close midday Friday 1 August – don’t wait!

Check out more info or nominate online for those whānau living in Tāmaki Makaurau: voteauckland.co.nz Voting opens Tuesday 9 September.

Waikato District Council | Hauraki District Council | Thames Coromandel District Council | Matamata Piako District Council

Representation starts with participation – nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.

Oranga Matauranga

Ko Te Reo Pakiaka

Kei ngā ringa tōhau nui mau toki te tārai tonu mai nei i te waka o te reo Māori me ngā tikanga ki ngā ripa o Pare Hauraki whānui, nau mai haere mai ki te hōtaka o te reo pakiaka i whakahaerengia e Te Whare Tāhuhu Kōrero o Hauraki me Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust.

He mihi tēnei ki a koutou ngā tauira i ū tonu ki te kaupapa o te reo pakiaka. This Māori language online course focuses on L1 beginners, L2 advanced beginners, L3 early intermediate, and enrolments are now open for L4 intermediate advanced.

This kaupapa is designed to be short, sharp and succinct, held fortnightly every Sunday, focusing on segments regarding language pronunciation, language structures and grammatical functions to advance our students reo abilities. There are also two Tikanga Tūrei held each term, looking at kawa and tikanga issues pertinent to Hauraki, for Hauraki, by Hauraki.

Nau mai hāere mai ngā whānau.

Registrations are now open for Term 3, click the button below to register!

Oranga Whare

Ready to Own Your Own Place in Tāmaki?

Whānau, dreaming of owning your own whare? The OWN IT programme is here to help make it real. Whether you're ready now or just starting your journey, OWN IT can guide you step by step — from clearing debt to saving for a deposit and getting mortgage-ready.

Delivered through the Tāmaki Regeneration Programme, this kaupapa supports whānau into one of the 1,500 new homes being built across Glen Innes, Point England, and Panmure. You can buy on your own, with a partner, or as a whānau collective — and there’s free support the whole way.

It’s free to register your interest — no pressure, just potential!
Visit: www.tamakiregeneration.co.nz or email ownit@tamakiregeneration.co.nz

Your place, your whenua, your future — OWN IT.

Click the buttons below to register now, e te whānau. There are 2 FREE sessions available:

Monday 28 July: 6.30pm – 7.00pm 

Wednesday 30 July: 6.30pm – 7.00pm

VACANCIES

We’re pleased to share this pānui featuring career opportunities currently available at Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau.   

CURRENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Conservation Advisor

Join a passionate team protecting and restoring Tāmaki Makaurau's natural environment through biodiversity and pest management projects. Work in partnership with mana whenua, landowners, and communities to deliver impactful conservation outcomes. This is a rewarding opportunity to lead environmental initiatives while enjoying a flexible, supportive work environment.

Link:  https://bit.ly/457CMja
Applications close: Wednesday 23rd July 2025
Role: Permanent / 40 hours

Specialist Māori Heritage

Join a kaupapa Māori-led team protecting sites and places of significance to Mana Whenua across Tāmaki Makaurau. Lead important mahi that shapes best practice for Māori heritage and upholds te Tiriti o Waitangi. Use your expertise to build strong partnerships and ensure Māori heritage is recognised and protected for generations to come. Exciting position to step into!

Link:  https://bit.ly/4nUjEMS

Applications close: Sunday 3rd August 2025
Role type: Permanent / 40 hours 

Community Conservation Advisor

Use your strategic communication skills to support community-powered conservation across Tāmaki Makaurau.
This is a behind-the-scenes, strategic advisory role – ideal for someone who thrives on enabling others rather than being front-facing. You’ll help shape messaging, build digital tools, and develop frameworks that empower frontline teams and community partners to deliver meaningful environmental outcomes.
If you're passionate about conservation and skilled in strategic communications, digital content, and collaborative design, we’d love to hear from you.

Link:  https://bit.ly/44zQviz

Applications close: Sunday 3rd August 2025

Role type: Permanent / 40 hours

Senior Librarian Research

We’re on the lookout for a passionate Māori research specialist to join our Research and Heritage team at Auckland Libraries. This role connects communities with knowledge, culture, and heritage while leading best practices in access, preservation, and inclusive engagement. If you’re committed to te ao Māori and empowering others through storytelling, research, and connection, we’d love to hear from you.

Link:  https://bit.ly/3UhkENC
Applications close: Sunday 3rd August 2025

Role type: Permanent

Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki Vacancies:  https://korowai.bamboohr.com/careers

Hauraki District Council Vacancies:  Job Vacancies