Rātū 30 Piripi 2026 | Tuesday 30 June 2026

Hui-ā-Iwi 100 year Strategy Planning Wānanga

Te Taura Whiri o Ngāti Tamaterā

Weaving the Threads of Past, Present and Future

25 July 2026
Paeroa War Memorial Hall
144 Normanby Road, Paeroa
10.00am – 2.00pm

Tēnā koutou e ngā uri o Ngāti Tamaterā

Our tūpuna made decisions that continue to shape our lives today.

The whenua we stand on, the reo we speak, the stories we carry,

and the opportunities we enjoy are all part of a journey that began long before us.

Now it is our turn.

Ngāti Tamaterā is beginning a journey to develop a shared vision

 for the next 100 years - a vision that honours those who came before us while preparing the way for generations yet to come.

This is an intergenerational kaupapa for the whole whānau, with dedicated spaces

 and activities for our tamariki to have fun, connect, learn, and participate alongside their whānau throughout the day. 

This wānanga is not about creating a strategy document.

It is about bringing our people together to reflect on our past, understand our present,

and imagine the future we wish to create for our mokopuna.

Throughout the day, whānau will be invited to move through three interactive spaces:

1. Te Pō | Ngā Hoe a Ngā Tūpuna

Exploring the stories, sacrifices, values, and wisdom passed down to us by our ancestors.

   2. Te Ao Tūroa | Ngā Kaihoe o Nāianei

Reflecting on who we are today, what we are proud of, and the opportunities and challenges that sit before us.

   3. Te Ao Mārama | Ngā Kaihoe o Āpōpō

Imagining the future we want our mokopuna to inherit and the legacy we hope to leave behind.

Together, we will begin weaving these whakaaro into Te Taura Whiri o Ngāti Tamaterā - a collective expression of our aspirations, responsibilities, and hopes for future generations, and weaving the threads of Ngāti Tamaterā.

There will also be opportunities to contribute:

• Messages and letters to future generations
• Tamariki futures activities
• Personal reflections and aspirations
• Ideas for the future of our iwi, whenua, whānau, marae and taiao

Whether you are a kaumātua, pakeke, rangatahi, or tamariki, your voice matters.

The future of Ngāti Tamaterā is not something that simply happens to us.

It is something we create together.

Nau mai, haere mai.

Bring your stories.

Bring your whakaaro.

Bring your hopes for the generations yet to come.

Kai will be provided.

Register here

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 mahi, achievements, or milestones with us by emailing admin@tamatera.iwi.nz.

Ngāti Tamaterā uri selected for Indigenous Overseas Manager Exchange

Ngāti Tamaterā descendent, Challen Wilson, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Taituarā Hononga Indigenous Overseas Manager Exchange to Victoria, Australia.

This is a significant achievement and recognises Challen’s leadership, her commitment to Māori outcomes, and the values and whakapapa she carries in her mahi.

The exchange brings together local government leaders from Aotearoa and overseas to share knowledge and strengthen indigenous partnerships. As part of the programme, Challen will host an international counterpart here in Aotearoa before travelling to Victoria to connect with First Nations leaders and local government practitioners.

Through her role at Auckland Council, Challen works closely with mana whenua in co-governance spaces, helping to strengthen relationships, embed Māori values into council practice, and support Māori economic and community development.

While in Victoria, Challen will learn how First Nations communities are advancing self-determination, cultural authority, indigenous-led economic development, and local decision-making. These learnings will be brought home to support the ongoing growth of indigenous partnership models here in Aotearoa.

Challen acknowledges the guidance of her leaders, the support of her colleagues, and the role of whānau and iwi in shaping her journey. 

This achievement is a reminder that when our people lead from a place of tikanga, connection, and purpose, doors open, not just for individuals, but for the collective. The knowledge gained through this exchange will help strengthen pathways for our communities and contribute to a future where indigenous voices continue to lead and thrive.

We congratulate Challen on this achievement and wish her well as she carries this kaupapa on behalf of her whānau, iwi and wider Māori communities.

Oranga Rangatahi

Mātangireia Collaboration

Mātangireia is a collaborative rangatahi development programme brought together through the partnership of Oranga Rangatahi - Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust, Ngā Wai Tāpara a Rangatahi - Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki, and featuring Te Mata o Kaiwaka. United by a shared vision, these kaupapa work collectively to support the holistic development of our rangatahi, nurturing their cultural identity, wellbeing, leadership, education, and future aspirations.

Through wānanga, experiences, and meaningful connections, Mātangireia creates opportunities for rangatahi to grow, learn, and thrive while strengthening their connection to other rangatahi from Hauraki, local Marae, and their communities.

Mātangireia Kaimahi Debrief Wānanga

Following our first Mātangireia Wānanga, kaimahi came together for a debrief to reflect on the successes, challenges, and key learnings from the event. It was a positive and productive hui, with great attendance from our kaimahi and also the tuakana.

A key focus of the debrief was reviewing the evaluations and feedback received from our rangatahi participants. The kōrero shared highlighted the impact of the wānanga and provided valuable insights as we continue to strengthen and improve our workshops.

Throughout the four-day wānanga, whānau participation was awesome. Mātangireia achieved a significant digital presence, reaching more than 350,000 social media views globally, which reflects the strong online engagement from our whānau.

If you haven’t already, follow @Mātangireia_26 on Instagram to stay up to date with all things Mātangireia. We regularly share updates, photos, activities, and important information leading into each wānanga.

The debrief provided many valuable takeaways that will help shape and strengthen our next wānanga coming up in July.

Mātangireia Māhere Wānanga 

From 12–14 June, kaimahi and tuākana gathered at Ngā Tauira Marae, University of Auckland, for our Mātangireia Māhere Wānanga.

The weekend was highly productive, with all workshop plans completed and preparations well underway for our next wānanga. Our tuākana once again played an active role throughout the planning process, contributing ideas, supporting workshop development, and continuing to build their leadership skills.

Following the success of the pō ngahau and kākahu creations at our first wānanga, our tuākana are now taking the lead in planning a new daytime activity for the upcoming event. Their involvement continues to demonstrate the importance of succession planning and creating opportunities for rangatahi leadership and growth.

It was an awesome weekend of planning, whakawhanaungatanga, and preparing for another successful Mātangireia Wānanga.

Introducing Our Tuākana

Our Tuākana Programme continues to grow,

with eight dedicated rangatahi leaders supporting Mātangireia throughout the year.

Tuākana:

• Teremoana Herekiuha - Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Tara Tokanui Tāwhiki, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou ki Harataunga 
• Tania Pakinga - Pare Hauraki, Pare Waikato
• Te Korowai Aroha Heke-Skipper - Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Hako, Ngāti Kahungunu
• Mia Waitai-Tuivoavoa - Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Ranginui
• Keeli James-Murray - Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Porou ki Harataunga, Ngā Maru, Ngāti Rongo-Ū,  Ngāti Mahuta
• Atutahi Davis - Ngāti Pukenga, Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Wairere
• Kauri Obrien - Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūkorehe, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngapuhi
• Storm Reuben - Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Maru, Ngapuhi, Ngāti Kawhiao

Representing communities from across our rohe, our tuākana bring a range of experiences, strengths, and perspectives to the Kaupapa.

Through their involvement, they are developing valuable leadership and organisational skills, including facilitating activities, taking minutes, creating content, supporting event planning, and gaining insight into the work that happens behind the scenes to deliver successful wānanga. Their contribution plays an important role in ensuring the future success and sustainability of Mātangireia.

Oranga Taiao

Building Māori Recovery Strategies Wānanga

Ngāti Tamaterā, in partnership with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, invites you to join a wānanga to help shape a Māori approach to disaster recovery.

This is an opportunity for whānau, hapū, marae, kaumātua, rangatahi, and community members to come together and share experiences, whakaaro, and mātauranga that can guide how we recover from emergencies and the impacts of climate change. Together, we will explore what has helped our communities through past challenges and identify the tikanga, values, and strengths that should underpin a Māori recovery strategy.

No expertise is required, just your voice, your experiences, and your whakaaro.

This kaupapa is by us, and for us. The strategy developed through this

wānanga will be grounded in our stories, our knowledge, and our aspirations.

Where: Te Puru Community Centre,  4 West Crescent, Thames 3575

When:  Wednesday 22nd July 2026

Time:   9:00am – 2:30pm (kai provided)

Register here

From Discovery to Delivery: Research in Action

Thursday 11 June 2026 | 4:15 pm–6:30 pm
WSP, Level 3, 100 Beaumont Street, Auckland

Ngāti Tamaterā attended WSP's Sustainable Transport Materials & Infrastructure Innovation Event, which explored how research is being translated into practical solutions for New Zealand's transport and infrastructure sectors.

Presentations focused on tyre recycling, recycled construction materials, sustainable alternatives to bitumen, and innovative pavement technologies already being applied across the country.



Adele Rose (Tyrewise) showcased Aotearoa's first regulated tyre stewardship scheme, outlining how the programme is designed to collect, track, and repurpose end-of-life tyres, and the opportunities it creates for waste reduction, circular economy outcomes, and new markets for recycled tyre products.

Matt Sharp (WSP) discussed sustainable biomass alternatives to bitumen, exploring how renewable organic materials can partially replace traditional petroleum-based binders to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining performance.

Branko Veljanovski (Auckland Council) highlighted the growing use of recycled aggregates in civil engineering, explaining how materials such as crushed concrete and reclaimed asphalt are being incorporated into infrastructure projects to reduce reliance on natural resources and lower environmental impacts.

Dr David Alabaster (NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi) presented the successful implementation of epoxy-modified bitumen, detailing how this technology enhances pavement durability, extends asset life, and improves resilience under increasing traffic loads and climate pressures.

For Ngāti Tamaterā, the event reinforced the importance of innovation that supports environmental sustainability, climate resilience, circular economy outcomes, and future procurement opportunities for Māori. The discussions were particularly relevant to current iwi involvement in transport infrastructure, Te Ara Tukutuku, climate adaptation, and resource management kaupapa across the rohe.

Beneath the Surface: Reflections from the Waterview Tunnel

Eddie Manukau – Pou Kaea RMA Unit - Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust

We recently joined fellow Mana Whenua representatives from across Tāmaki Makaurau through the Auckland Northern State Highway Iwi Integration Group for a field visit to the Waterview Tunnel.

The visit gave us a behind-the-scenes look at one of Auckland’s major transport assets. We toured the tunnel control centre and saw how traffic, air quality, incidents and emergency responses are monitored in real time to help keep people moving safely across the city.

While the engineering was impressive, the visit also raised important cultural considerations. For Mana Whenua, tunnelling is not only about roads, machines and concrete. The whenua does not stop at the surface. Below ground may sit ancestral landscapes, wāhi tapu, kōiwi, cave systems, cultural narratives and connections to Rūaumoko, Mataoho and the subterranean realm.

Tunnelling can sometimes reduce impacts above ground, but it can also create new impacts beneath the whenua. This is why early, meaningful engagement with Mana Whenua matters.

The visit was a valuable reminder that infrastructure decisions must balance engineering, safety, cultural values and environmental care. These assets are built for future generations, which connects strongly to kaitiakitanga and our responsibility to protect the whenua above and below.



Understanding how these systems work helps Mana Whenua contribute more confidently to future discussions about transport, resilience and the care of our whenua.

Oranga Ōhanga

Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga | Weaving Our Business Future

Every thriving economy begins with understanding its people.

Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga is one of our long-term kaupapa to strengthen and connect our business community, laying the foundations for a resilient Hauraki Māori business ecosystem. This work is about more than creating a business directory, it is about:

• building relationships, 
• understanding the strengths and aspirations of our businesses, 
• identifying opportunities, 
• creating pathways for collaboration, 
• procurement, 
• capability building 
• future investment.

Building a strong business ecosystem takes time. It is woven through trust, relationships, and shared commitment. Every business, entrepreneur, contractor, sole trader, and aspiring business owner has a place within this kaupapa.

If you own a business, are thinking about starting one, or simply want to be part of shaping the future of the Ngāti Tamaterā economy, we'd love to hear from you.

Together, we can create an economy that supports our whānau today while building opportunities for generations to come.

Interested in being involved? 

Contact admin@tamatera.iwi.nz to learn more about Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga.

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

Te Āputa Lodge



“REST, RECONNECT, RETURN - WHERE MANAAKITANGA, WHENUA AND WHAKAPAPA MEET."

Haere mai - Welcome

Te Āputa Lodge, formerly La Casa Te Puru Lodge, is the perfect place to get away. With incredible views over Tikapa Moana-o-Hauraki (the Firth of Thames) and embraced by  Te Tara-o-te-Ika-a-Māui (the barb of Māui's fish or the Coromandel Ranges), this spot on the Thames coast is truly special — and Callum and Aliesha look forward to welcoming you and sharing the beauty of Te Āputa.

​Te Āputa Lodge invites you to experience a harmonious blend of nature and culture, 

offering a calm, authentic retreat grounded in the beauty and spirit of Aotearoa.

​​​​​​​Where nature and culture meet.

Our Values

Anchored by our whānau ancestral pā, Te Āputa Lodge carries forward a legacy of people, connection and care for the land and sea.

Formerly known as La Casa Lodge, we celebrate the privilege of being caretakers of this part of a once-significant fortified village and stronghold. As we thoughtfully reimagine the lodge as a space of rest, reflection, and renewal, we honour the stories that live within this whenua and the enduring spirit of our tīpuna (ancestors).

​Te Āputa Lodge embodies the spirit and beauty of Aotearoa, blending Māori design with sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Here, we value manaakitanga (hospitality), whakapapa (history) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) - principles that guide everything we do and ensure a nurturing, mindful experience for every guest.

​​Each stay offering a pathway to calm, connection, and enrichment.

What We Provide

Our lodge offers a place of comfort, connection, and calm,  a space to rest, reflect, and reconnect with the land, sea, and self.
​
Surrounded by native bush and coastal views, the lodge offers peaceful rooms, a colourful café, a stunning viewing lounge, and a conference space for gatherings and retreats. You’ll also find gardens to wander, terraces to soak up the sun, and spaces to simply pause and breathe.
 
Located on the Thames Coast, between the Coromandel Ranges and the Firth of Thames, Te Āputa Lodge feels both connected and tucked away - close to Miranda Hot Springs and Driving Creek Railway, yet calm enough to feel a world apart.
​
Discover the spaces that make Te Āputa Lodge special.

Operators Callum & Aliesha Shepherd

Te Āputa Lodge

468 Thames Coast Road, Te Puru 3575, New Zealand

+64 21 468 010

info@teaputalodge.co.nz

 Oranga Ōhanga Update | June 2026

June has been a busy month for our Ōhanga Oranga kaupapa, with a strong focus on building the foundations for long-term economic wellbeing and prosperity for Ngāti Tamaterā.

A significant area of mahi has been contributing to regional discussions through the Hauraki Alliance and Social Investment Agency commissioning proposal. This work aims to ensure that the voices, aspirations, and opportunities of Hauraki whānau are reflected in future investment decisions across our rohe. A key focus has been highlighting the important connection between economic participation, employment, education, digital inclusion, and long-term hauora outcomes.

Work has also continued on the development of our Ngāti Tamaterā Ōhanga Ōranga Strategy and Annual Plan. This includes refining our long-term vision, strategic priorities, and practical pathways that will support rangatahi development, iwi business growth, procurement opportunities, economic participation, and future investment opportunities.

Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga continues to grow as we strengthen our understanding of the businesses, skills, and capabilities that exist across our iwi. This work will help create stronger connections between whānau, businesses, and future opportunities while building a clearer picture of our collective economic potential.

Planning has also progressed for Te Kūwaha o Ureia, our rangatahi enterprise and capability pathway initiative. This kaupapa aims to support rangatahi to explore leadership, enterprise, innovation, and employment opportunities while strengthening connections to iwi aspirations and future economic development.

As part of our Te Kūwaha o Ureia kaupapa, rangatahi will begin exploring ideas to support fundraising efforts for Te Pai o Hauraki Marae, at our next rangatahi wānanga. Working alongside mentors and whānau, they will develop and pitch fundraising concepts that combine enterprise, leadership, and community service. The kaupapa aims to build rangatahi capability while contributing to the long-term aspirations of our marae.

Alongside this work, we have continued building relationships with councils, government agencies, industry partners, and regional organisations to identify opportunities that may benefit Ngāti Tamaterā whānau and businesses over time.

Policy Development and Strategic Advice

Alongside our economic development work, we have continued to contribute to a range of policy, strategy, and planning initiatives across the iwi. This includes providing advice, reviewing draft policies and plans, contributing to submissions, and supporting the development of frameworks that help guide future decision-making. While often working behind the scenes, this mahi is important in ensuring Ngāti Tamaterā aspirations, values, and long-term priorities are reflected and embedded in the systems, policies, and partnerships that influence outcomes for our people. Through this work we continue to strengthen the iwi voice across local, regional, and national conversations while building foundations for future generations.

While much of this mahi focuses on building strong foundations, these foundations are critical. By strengthening our networks, understanding our opportunities, supporting our rangatahi, pakihi, and kaumatua, - and growing our collective capability, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient Ngāti Tamaterā economy for generations to come.

He ōhanga tupu, he iwi ora.
A growing economy, a thriving people.

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.

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.

Pānuitanga Hapori

2026 Tūpuna Maunga Research Scholarship

The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is excited to announce that their Tūpuna Maunga Research Scholarship application opens on 29 June 2026. This year introduces two exciting new additions to the scholarship programme and has partnered with the Māori Education Trust (MET) and the Michael King Writers Centre residency programme. The scholarship is a $20,000 funding initiative available annually to support students who wish to undertake research about the Tūpuna Maunga.

The scholarship applies to research that aligns with the Tūpuna Maunga Values, enhancing and protecting the mauri and wairua of the Tūpuna Maunga. 

Residency programme

Starting this year, the Authority is partnering with the Michael King Writers Centre to fund the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Residency, which includes a two-week stay at Signalman’s House on Takarunga / Mt Victoria, along with supporting researchers during their mahi. The residency provides an opportunity to connect directly with the Tūpuna Maunga while undertaking their research.

How to apply:

This year’s scholarship and residency application round opens on 29 June 2026, and closes 11.59 pm, 30 August 2026. A decision about the applications will be made by 28 September 2026, with the funding becoming available as early as November 2026.

Apply to the Research Scholarship via SmartyGrants

Apply to the Residency via SmartyGrantsResidency

Matariki events across Tāmaki Makaurau

Whānau mā, nau mai, haere mai ki ngā kaupapa o Matariki across Tāmaki Makaurau

As Matariki rises, we encourage whānau to come together to reflect, remember, celebrate, and look ahead to the new year. There is a wide range of Matariki events happening for whānau to attend, including free and low-cost activities, performances, exhibitions, workshops, kai, kōrero, waiata, and whānau-friendly events.

Matariki Festival 2026 – wider regional programme

The wider Auckland regional programme is available here from 4 July to 19 July 2026. www.matarikifestival.org.nz

Matariki ki te Manawa – central city programme

Auckland Live is also hosting Matariki ki te Manawa, a central city programme bringing Matariki to the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau through events, public spaces, arts, performance, and whānau experiences. Find out more through Auckland Live: www.aucklandlive.co.nz

Whānau are encouraged to check the programmes, choose events close to home or in the city centre, and take part in this important time of reflection, remembrance, celebration, and renewal.

Matariki tuia ngā whetū, tuia ngā tāngata
Matariki, weaver of the stars, weaver of the people.