He Pānuitanga
nā Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust
Rātapu 31 Haratua
2026 | Sunday 31 May 2026
He kōrero nā te Heamana
A note from the Chair
Kia ora e te whānau,
Over the past month, our mahi has continued to focus on creating practical pathways for our whānau, our rangatahi, and the future generations of Ngāti Tamaterā.
A key highlight has been the strengthening of our education partnerships with Te Wharekura o Te Waitangi o Hinemuri, Te Kura Tuatahi o Paeroa, and Tipene College. These partnerships are an important step in growing opportunities for our tauira through digital technology, innovation, storytelling, and kaupapa grounded in Ngāti Tamaterā identity.
We are also pleased to continue our Driver Licence Programme, supporting whānau to gain their licence and move forward with confidence.
Looking ahead, we will soon be holding our Long-Term 100-Year-Plus Strategic Planning and Framework wānanga with whānau. This is an important opportunity to come together and think beyond the immediate pressures in front of us, and instead ask: what do we want for Ngāti Tamaterā over the next 100 years? These wānanga will help us understand the priorities, aspirations, and responsibilities that matter most to our people, from whenua, housing, education, economic development and employment, through to te reo, tikanga, taiao, and the wellbeing of our whānau.
As Trustees, we are committed to ensuring the voice of whānau helps guide the long-term direction of the iwi. Our role is to protect what has been passed down to us, respond to the needs of today, and plan with courage for those yet to come.
He waka eke noa, we move forward together.
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 rā whakahirahira mō Hauraki
E mihi ana ki a Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui me Ngāti Hei as their Treaty settlement bills have passed their final reading in Parliament.
After 15 years of negotiation, this significant milestone brings formal Crown apologies, cultural redress, and commercial redress across the three iwi.
We acknowledge the commitment, patience, and resilience of the kaumātua, negotiators, trustees, whānau, and uri who have carried this kaupapa over many years. While no settlement can ever fully restore what was lost, this moment marks an important step forward for the cultural, environmental, and economic aspirations of these Hauraki iwi.
Ka nui te mihi, ka nui te whakamānawa ki a koutou.
He rā nui tēnei mō Hauraki whānui.
Oranga Rangatahi
Mātangireia ki Ngahutoitoi - Wānanga 2
We are excited to welcome our rangatahi back for Mātangireia Wānanga Tuarua a Kaupapa in collaboration between Oranga Rāngatahi – Ngāti Tamatera Treaty Settlement Trust, Ngā Wai Tāpara a Rangatahi – Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki, and Te Mata o Kaiwaka this wānanga we will focus on Matariki, manaakitanga, and future planning.
The wānanga has been designed to create space for rangatahi to reconnect with other Hauraki rangatahi, strengthen cultural identity, and explore pathways forward through whakaaro Māori. Together, we will reflect on the past year, acknowledge those who have gone before us through Hautapu, and begin intentional planning for our future.
Throughout the wānanga, rangatahi will hear from a range of inspiring guest speakers, leaders, and creatives who will share their journeys, lived experiences, and insights to empower and uplift our next generation.
Through whakawhanaungatanga, wānanga, activities, and kōrero, we aim to nurture confidence, leadership, and vision within our rangatahi while strengthening connections to culture, community, and self.
Wānanga Details:
Pōwhiri: 10:00am (please meet at the gate at 9:50am)
Dates: Monday 6th July – Thursday 9th July 2026
Location: Ngahutoitoi Marae, 100 Ngahutoitoi Marae Road, Paeroa 3673
Age Group: 13–21 years
There are only 70 spaces available, so register early to secure your spot.
Rangatahi mā, patua te whakamā!
Mauri Ora
Oranga Taiao
Te Mana o te Wai – Paeroa Wastewater Treatment Plant Site Visit
Paeroa Wastewater Treatment Plant, Irwin Road, Paeroa
Wednesday 20 May 2026
Recently, representatives of Ngāti Tamaterā and Ngāti Maru attended a site visit to the Paeroa Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade alongside Hauraki District Council and project teams.
The wider kaupapa also acknowledges the interests and connections of Ngāti Hako and Ngāti Tara Tokanui within the surrounding taiao and waterways.
At the centre of the kaupapa is Te Mana o Te Wai — recognising that the health of the wai must come first.
The receiving environments connected to this project include Te Komata and our tūpuna awa, the Waihou River, which ultimately flows to Tikapa Moana, reinforcing the importance of ki uta ki tai whakaaro across the entire catchment.
During the hīkoi, the project team explained how the upgraded plant uses advanced biological and membrane filtration systems designed to significantly improve the quality of treated water before discharge.
Treatment Process
Wastewater In
↓
Screening + Solids Removal
↓
Biological Treatment
↓
Membrane Filtration
↓
UV Treatment
↓
Discharge
The visit also highlighted storm-event management systems, biosolids processing, odour treatment systems, and future expansion capability as the rohe continues to grow.
Importantly, discussions reinforced that:
- the wai is not simply infrastructure,
- the awa is not simply a discharge point,
- and protecting the mauri of Te Komata, Waihou and Tikapa Moana must remain central to future decision-making.
Historical reports connected to the site also acknowledge long-standing iwi relationships with the whenua and waterways surrounding the Komata and Waihou environments.
Ngāti Tamaterā continues to advocate for:
- meaningful iwi engagement
- cultural assessment processes
- protection of wāhi tuku iho
- and ensuring Te Mana o Te Wai remains central within future planning and environmental decision-making.
Ko te wai te ora o ngā mea katoa.
The water is the life-giver of all things.
TE ARA TUKUTUKU
Healing the Mauri of Te Waitematā
Site Visit: Tuesday 19 May 2026
On Tuesday, 19 May 2026, mana whenua and project partners visited Te Ara Tukutuku and the Kelly Tarlton’s research/hatchery space to better understand the restoration mahi taking shape around Te Waitematā.
Te Ara Tukutuku is more than a park project. It is a mana whenua-led regeneration kaupapa focused on healing the mauri of the whenua and moana at the northern end of Wynyard Point.
The kaupapa is about reconnecting people, place, ecology and culture — restoring the relationship between Tangaroa, Papatūānuku and Te Waitematā.
During the visit, we also met with EnviroStrat and GreenWave, where the kōrero focused on rimurimu / seaweed restoration, hatchery science and the future of underwater habitat restoration.
The seaweed restoration mahi includes growing kelp from spores, testing seed-stock, trialling grow ropes and suitable surfaces, and understanding the right conditions for rimurimu to survive in the moana.
This work connects strongly to wider iwi interests around Pou Rāhui, fisheries recovery, marine biodiversity, climate resilience and long-term kaitiakitanga.
The wider Te Ara Tukutuku vision follows:
HEAL → FORM → CULTIVATE
First, heal the whenua and moana.
Then shape the space.
Then cultivate it for future generations.
For Ngāti Tamaterā, this kaupapa provides an important opportunity to stay connected to marine restoration, mātauranga Māori, environmental recovery and future pathways for our people.
Mauri ora.
Pou Rahui
Pare Hauraki / Te Papa Atawhai (DoC) Marine Mammal Wānanga | Tikanga, Response & Research
On Friday 1 May 2026, Ngāti Tamaterā joined Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Hako, Ngāti Pu, Patukirikiri, and Ngāti Porou ki Harataunga, alongside Te Papa Atawhai (DoC) and the Cetacean Ecology Research Group, Massey University, at the Pare Hauraki / Te Papa Atawhai (DoC) Marine Mammal Wānanga held at Matai Whetu Marae, Kōpū, to discuss tikanga, kōrero tuku iho, stranding response and processes, and marine mammal research and science.
Hosted by DoC Kaitohu Matua Alice Anderson, the wānanga created an important space for kōrero around how marine mammal strandings and response events are managed across Hauraki, with strong discussion centred on tikanga, whakapapa, notification processes, and the role of iwi in decision-making from the earliest stages of a response.
Presentations from Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) Operations Managers Avi Holzapfel and Nick Kelly provided insight into the history of significant cetacean stranding events recorded across the region, current marine mammal stranding response systems, and operational processes, while Professor Karen Stockin and Dr Emma Bennett shared the role of marine mammal research, including how biological sampling contributes to understanding animal health, PFAS contamination, genetics, ecosystem pressures, and longer-term environmental monitoring.
For Ngāti Tamaterā, this kaupapa aligns closely with the wider Pou Rāhui focus on taonga species protection, ngā tohu o te taiao, marine monitoring, and iwi-led environmental management. This was reflected in our Pou Rāhui Te Ika Moana Wānanga held at Piritahi Marae, led by Dr Rāmari Stewart in 2023, which focused on tōhorā, traditional response practices, and mātauranga Māori associated with marine mammal strandings. That kaupapa also led into a Cetacean Necropsy Wānanga involving the Te Kauika Tangaroa Charitable Trust, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC), and Massey University’s Cetacean Ecology Research Group, where mātauranga Māori and marine science came together in a practical learning environment around marine mammal response and research.
A key theme throughout the day was the recognition that marine mammals are not simply conservation events or scientific specimens they are taonga species with whakapapa connections that require tikanga-led response and clear iwi involvement.
The wānanga also highlighted the importance of strengthening iwi-led processes around notification, consent, sampling protocols, reporting back, and clearly defined support roles across future marine mammal stranding events. While valuable kōrero was shared, further Pare Hauraki discussion will be required as this kaupapa continues to develop.
This remains an important area of engagement for Ngāti Tamaterā, with clear alignment to our wider aspirations around kaitiakitanga, marine capability building, and strengthening iwi leadership across environmental response systems.
Oranga Ōhanga
Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Ngāti Tamaterā
As we continue progressing our Oranga Ōhanga kaupapa, we wanted to provide an update on the growing momentum across our economic development mahi. Over recent months, significant foundational and strategic work has continued to strengthen pathways for long-term prosperity, capability building, and future opportunities for our people. Building on the earlier phases of strategy development and engagement work already undertaken, the focus has increasingly shifted toward activation, engagement, and implementation.
He Aha ngā Mahi e Haere Ana? | What Work is Underway?
Ngā Pōito i Te Kupenga – Business Collective & Wānanga
Planning is now underway for our upcoming Ngā Pōito i Te Kupenga Business Wānanga. This kaupapa is focused on bringing together our iwi businesses, entrepreneurs, tradespeople, innovators, and aspiring business owners to strengthen connections, share opportunities, and collectively shape our future economic direction.
As part of this mahi:
- A business and capability survey was sent out on the 12th of this month to better understand the strengths, aspirations, and needs of our whānau.
- We are beginning to map our iwi business ecosystem to identify opportunities for collaboration, procurement, workforce pathways, and shared growth.
- Early discussions are also underway regarding long-term iwi business support structures and capability development initiatives.
Rangatahi Development & Future Workforce Pathways
Our rangatahi-focused economic development initiatives continue to evolve, including:
- Planning for future rangatahi enterprise and leadership workshops.
- Exploration of business incubation and entrepreneurial pathways connected to iwi aspirations.
- Building stronger connections between education, innovation, culture, technology, and future workforce opportunities.
The kaupapa remains grounded in ensuring our rangatahi can see themselves reflected within future economic opportunities, not simply as participants, but as future leaders, creators, and owners.
Asset & Opportunity Scoping
Work continues on our iwi asset and resource scoping programme, helping us build a clearer understanding of:
- whenua and property opportunities
- workforce capability
- existing businesses and skills within our iwi
- future investment and partnership opportunities
This mahi is critical to ensuring future decisions are informed, strategic, and aligned to the aspirations of our people.
Strengthening Relationships & Strategic Partnerships
Over recent months we have continued engaging with:
- economic development agencies
- Māori innovation and business networks
- education and research partners
- technology and infrastructure leaders
- iwi and regional stakeholders
These relationships are helping position Ngāti Tamaterā within broader regional and national conversations around economic development, innovation, regeneration, digital infrastructure, and future workforce opportunities.
100-Year Plus Strategy Planning Underway
An important piece of strategic planning has also commenced around the development of a future-focused 100-Year Plus Strategy and Framework for Ngāti Tamaterā. This kaupapa is designed to help guide long-term aspirations for our people, whenua, culture, wellbeing, economic prosperity, and future generations. As part of the early stages of this mahi, initial engagement planning has been drafted and shared with iwi leads to seek feedback and whakaaro on how we best connect with and hear from our wider whānau. The intent is to ensure the process is inclusive, intergenerational, and shaped by the voices, dreams, and lived experiences of our people across many different pathways of engagement.
Looking Ahead
As we move further into 2026, our focus remains on:
- strengthening whānau engagement
- activating practical opportunities
- supporting Māori enterprise and workforce development
- ensuring our economic direction reflects our values, identity, and aspirations as Ngāti Tamaterā
This kaupapa is not simply about economics. It is about creating pathways for mana motuhake, resilience, intergenerational wellbeing, and opportunities for our mokopuna.
Ngā mihi nui ki ngā whānau, kaimahi, rangatahi, trustees, and supporters who continue to contribute whakaaro, time, energy, and leadership into this growing kaupapa.
Ngā manaakitanga
Elle Archer
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
Meier & Wilson Limited
“Growing environment, growing people, growing aroha.”
Our mission is simple and deeply rooted:
To beautify the world and spread aroha from end to end.
We are committed to supporting people and communities to thrive, creating pathways that are inclusive, open-minded, and abundant, whether in business, creative pursuits, or personal development.
Established in October 2018, Meier & Wilson Limited is a boutique whānau-centred and purpose-driven business grounded in the belief that when people bring their skills, passions, and knowledge together, meaningful change can happen for our communities, our environment, and future generations.
At its heart, our work is about uplifting both Papatūānuku (the natural world) and people, creating spaces where life can flourish in a balanced and sustainable way.
Our Work
Operating across Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), particularly in the North, West, and Central-West suburbs, Stefan leads our hands-on environmental services. These include:
- Lawn and garden care
- Landscape maintenance and improvement
- Restoring vitality and beauty to urban outdoor spaces
Through practical action and care, these services help reconnect people with the whenua and enhance everyday living environments.
Alongside this, Challen leads our consulting and special projects work across Aotearoa, supporting organisations, collectives, and individuals through:
- Values-led business and strategy support
- Storytelling and brand development
- Project and stakeholder management
- Innovative environmental initiatives such as Project Yard 1.0
This work is guided by the integration of both
Māori and Western knowledge systems, enabling a holistic and inclusive approach to growth, sustainability, and impact.
As Founder and Special Projects Lead, Challen oversees strategy, operations, partnerships, and delivery—bringing together vision, innovation, and strong relationships to support impactful outcomes.
Stefan leads our on-the-ground services, working directly with clients to deliver high-quality care and practical results, ensuring each space reflects pride, attention, and connection to the land.
Get in Touch
Stefan Meier
📱 022 627 4404
📧 stefan.meier.6@gmail.com
Challen Wilson
📱 022 376 5405 (text preferred)
📧 challenwilson@gmail.com
Join us as we continue to grow spaces, strengthen communities, and share aroha across Aotearoa.
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.
Ngāti Tamaterā Whānau Wellbeing Day at Auckland Zoo
Saturday 23 May 2026
Over 300 Ngāti Tamaterā whānau registered for the Auckland Zoo Whānau Wellbeing Day, bringing together uri from across Hauraki and Tāmaki for a day grounded in connection, laughter, learning, and wellbeing.
For many, the day was more than just a visit to the zoo; it was an opportunity to reconnect with wider whānau, strengthen relationships across generations, and spend quality time together outside of the everyday pressures of mahi, school, and life. Tamariki, rangatahi, pakeke, and kaumātua all came together to enjoy the spaces, stories, and experiences the Zoo had to offer.
The kaupapa aligned strongly with the Zoo’s “Five Ways to Wellbeing” approach:
🌿 Connect – strengthening whanaungatanga and belonging
🚶 Be Active – walking the tracks and exploring together
🧠 Keep Learning – discovering wildlife, conservation, and te taiao
👀 Take Notice – slowing down and appreciating nature
❤️ Give – spending time together and supporting collective wellbeing
Throughout the day, whānau shared kai, kōrero, and moments of joy while engaging with animals and conservation spaces from around the world. For many tamariki, it was their first time visiting Auckland Zoo, making the experience even more memorable.
Importantly, the day also reflected the wider aspirations of Ngāti Tamaterā to create opportunities that strengthen whānau wellbeing, connection to te taiao, intergenerational engagement, and positive shared experiences across our rohe.
A huge mihi to all our whānau who travelled from near and far to be part of the kaupapa. The smiles, laughter, and strong turnout showed just how important these opportunities are for bringing our people together.
He oranga whānau.
He oranga taiao.
He oranga mō ngā uri whakatipu.
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
Our partnership with Young Animators and Sir Peter Blake Trust is in full swing with our digital technology team heading to Tipene College, Te Kura Tuatahi o Paeroa and Te Wharekura o Te Waitangi o Hinemuri in Term 2.
Over three sessions, students will learn digital animation skills while bringing to life a pūrākau rooted in Tamaterā history. The finished animation will be shared with all.
The kura are now half-way through the animation programme, students have expressed their interest in learning more about animation technology, implementing the skills into their own content, and a desire to make movies/anime.
This programme has been a wonderful opportunity for tauira to develop modern digital skills while deepening their connection to their heritage.
Oranga Ahurea
Te Reo Pakiaka 2026 Has Begun
In collaboration with Te Wahare Tahuhu o Hauraki, our Te Reo Pakiaka online programme, officially launched in April 2026 for Term 2, with an incredible turnout of 80+ whānau joining online from across our rohe and beyond.
This kaupapa continues to show the strength and desire within our people to reconnect with te reo Māori, tikanga, whakapapa, and the unique kōrero of Hauraki and Ngāti Tamaterā.
Alongside our sessions, we are also working toward creating Hauraki-centric learning resources as a lasting value add for whānau, practical resources that can be used in everyday life at home, on the marae, with tamariki, and across future generations.
Pānuitanga Hapori
Waikato Aquaculture Forum Looks to the Future
Ngāti Tamaterā joined iwi, industry leaders, researchers, and government agencies at the Waikato Aquaculture Forum in Thames to discuss the future of aquaculture across the region.
A major focus of the hui was the goal to grow the Waikato aquaculture industry to $180 million by 2044, while balancing economic opportunities with environmental sustainability, infrastructure needs, and long-term resilience.
Important kōrero highlighted:
• opportunities for iwi participation and leadership
• future jobs and economic growth
• protecting our marine environment and taonga species
• upcoming Resource Management and consenting changes
• the importance of iwi, industry, and government working together
As mana whenua, Ngāti Tamaterā continues to advocate for approaches that uphold Te Mana o Te Wai, kaitiakitanga, regenerative practices, and intergenerational wellbeing across Tikapa Moana and our wider coastal environment.
He taonga tuku iho te moana mō ngā uri whakatipu.
