He Pānuitanga
nā Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust
Rātū 30 Mahuru 2025 | Tuesday 30 September 2025
He kōrero nā te Heamana
A note from the Chair
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangatanga maha o Ngāti Tamaterā – tēnā koutou katoa.
Koroneihana reminded us once again of the enduring strength of unity, leadership, and whakapapa. In her inaugural speech, Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō, Te Kuini affirmed that the waters binding the living and those who have passed continue to guide us, strengthening our identity and resolve as iwi Māori. That same spirit flows through the mahi of Ngāti Tamaterā today.
Over these past months, our whānau have achieved some incredible milestones. From the energy and whakaaro shared at our Rangatahi Wānanga and the strategic planning with our Rangatahi Kāhui, to expanding digital technology and innovation programmes into kura and marae, our rangatahi continue to lead the way in shaping a future that is both bold and grounded in tikanga.
Looking ahead, we are proud to collaborate with the National Iwi Chairs Forum Pou Take Āhuarangi to host a Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation hui, strengthening our response to the challenges of climate change while upholding our kaitiakitanga. We are also preparing to support the National Hui Tāne Roadshow, aligning our mahi across all Oranga areas and building collective strength nationwide.
Excitement is also building for the Hauraki Māori Business Awards – tickets are limited, so be quick to secure your place at this landmark celebration of iwi enterprise. At the same time, the local elections are fast approaching. Your vote is crucial – this is our opportunity to ensure strong Māori voices are heard and represented.
We have a busy road ahead through to December, filled with kaupapa that matter for our marae, our whānau, our rangatahi, and our future. Don’t miss out – your presence and participation make all the difference.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Antony Royal
Chair, Ngāti Tamaterā
The following information is in this pānui:
Oranga Rangatahi
Oranga Rangatahi Strategic Planning Hui
20–21 Mahuru 2025 | Pedlars Motel, Paeroa
“Kainga ora, kainga hokia” - a prosperous home is a home you can always come back to.
Over the weekend of the 20th and 21st of Mahuru, a small group gathered at Pedlars Motel in Paeroa for Oranga Rangatahi - Strategic Planning Hui. The hui brought together a strong mix of voices – from our ohu whakahaere, trustees, whānau, health providers, rangatahi representatives, and pakeke – all with a shared vision to shape the future of Ngāti Tamaterā rangatahi.
He nui ngā kōrero i puta i tā mātou wānanga. It was inspiring to have our rangatahi reps at the table, actively shaping the future alongside us. Our kōrero focused on setting clear goals and aspirations for our mokopuna and rangatahi, identifying resources we may need for the pathway forward. Many positive themes emerged – from strengthening cultural identity, to pathways in education, up-skilling and leadership, to building strong support systems that will carry our rangatahi confidently into the future.
Together, we identified five key “Pou” to focus on moving forward:
- Te Ao Māori – strengthening tuākiritanga, tikanga, and cultural practices
- Te Taiao / Kaitiakitanga – caring for and protecting our Taiāo
- Mātauranga – building knowledge, skills, and pathways for learning
- Te Tira Hou – building the next generation of leaders.
- Te Ao Ohanga – creating opportunities for growth and sustainable futures
This hui was an important step in laying down the foundation for a five-year plan that reflects the hopes, dreams, and values of our people. We look forward to continuing this mahi and work towards a prosperous future.
Ngā mihi nui ki ngā kaikōrero me ngā kaitautoko katoa i whai wā ki te whakatatoko i ngā hiahia me ngā wawata mo ngā rangatira o āpōpō – together, we are shaping a strong and vibrant future for Ngāti Tamaterā - Oranga Rangatahi.
If you or any whānau (especially our rangatahi) have any other whakaaro you would like to add, feel free to contact me directly.
Aku mihi
Ngareta Skipper l oranga.rangatahi@tamatera.iwi.nz l 02108686757
Oranga Rangatahi Wānanga 3 - Ngā Atua Māori
23–25 Mahuru 2025 | Ngahutoitoi Marae
Our third wānanga kick-started with a pōwhiri whakatau lead by a mix of rangatahi and kaumātua, followed by whakawhanaungatanga and kōrero tuku iho with Apanui skipper. Apanui spoke about Whakapapa, hītori and our deep connection to Ngahutoitoi and Ngāti Tara Tokanui Tāwhaki. A couple of our kaimahi also expressed the importance of retaining the Mātauranga handed down by our pakeke, so that one day they too can pass this knowledge on to future generations.
This set the tone for the rest of our wānanga – a time for learning, sharing, and celebrating the growth of our rangatahi through a wide range of kaupapa and activities.
Young Animators with Nikora Ngaropo
One of the standout kaupapa was the animation workshops run by Nikora Ngaropo from Young Animators. This was a completely new space for many of our rangatahi, and it proved to be a real challenge at first. The first day was tough from Pōwhiri, Whakawhanaungatanga, and listening to kōrero tuku iho — learning new digital tools and creative skills left them feeling exhausted. But by the second day, something shifted. The rangatahi grew in confidence, began to enjoy the process, and even created their own short films. They recorded voices, built stories, and applied all the techniques Nikora shared with them. Although it pushed them outside their comfort zones, it was exciting to see our rangatahi embrace something new and walk away proud of what they had achieved.
Mahi whakaari
Our rangatahi brought stories to life through Toi-whakaari, they were given pūrākau about ngā tai papaki toru, Te Waitangi-o-Hinemuri and Ngahutoitoi, they had under 2 hours to create a whakaari to showcase during pō ngāhau. Their confidence, their teamwork, their ability to hold the narratives they learned and their creativity in retelling them in a way that resonates today. Poho kererū te ohu whakahaere ki ngā whakaaro auaha i puta i taua pō, te reo Māori, te reo ā tinana me te whakamahi o ngā rauemi whakanikoniko. Taukē koutou, rangatahi mā!
He Wero - Amazing Race
To revitalise and celebrate all the mātauranga gained across our previous wānanga, the rangatahi took part in an Amazing Race wero. Stations tested their understanding of whakapapa, Tikanga, kōrero tuku iho, shelling kaimoana, mau rākau routine, creating TikToks incorporating atua Māori. Our rangatahi had heaps of fun not realising that each station was actually reinforcing the mātauranga and skills they were building throughout previous wānanga. The laughter, competition, and teamwork made it a powerful way to anchor their learning.
Ngā kaikōrero - Turia & Rereahu
We were fortunate to be inspired by two incredible guest speakers, Turia Schmidt-Peke and Rereahu Te Moananui-Collier.
Turia shared her journey in the acting world, emphasising the importance of te ao Māori in shaping who she is today and opening doors into her lead roles, including her mahi with Pūkana. Her kōrero was motivational for our rangatahi – a reminder that if you stay true to your path, you will reap the rewards. She encouraged them to uphold their uaratanga, the values that ground us as Māori, no matter where life takes them.
Rereahu brought a powerful kōrero about leadership and responsibility. As the newly elected councillor for the Māori ward in Paeroa, he spoke about the importance of voting and making our voices heard. He reminded our rangatahi of carrying our atua with us in all that we do, of the legacy we leave behind, and the value of asking questions – because knowledge only grows when we are curious. His whakaaro left a lasting impression, encouraging our rangatahi to step boldly into their future.
Rangatahi Development
One of the most rewarding parts of this wānanga was seeing just how much growth has taken place across our rangatahi since Wānanga 1. Many who once sat quietly on the side are now stepping into leadership roles — guiding their teams, ensuring rosters are completed, and confidently engaging in kōrero and tikanga. Each night, our Ohu Whakahaere debriefed and reflected on these shifts, celebrating those moments when rangatahi came out of their comfort zones, out of their shells, and into their potential. It was a humbling and uplifting feeling to witness such positive change, especially around our marae.
Hei whakakapi
Together, the Strategic Planning Wānanga and Wānanga 3 made this week a milestone for Oranga Rangatahi. We not only looked ahead to where our kaupapa is heading, but also saw it in action with our rangatahi.
Hei whakakapi i ngā kōrero huhua o te wā, “Kainga ora, kainga hokia” the more we work collectively to bring the attraction home, through reo, mau rākau, wānanga it is one step closer to bringing our iwi home. E mihi ana ki ngā ringa hāpai o tēnei kaupapa big or small we appreciate you.
Mauri ora
Oranga Taiao
Intergenerational Healing of the Ōhinemuri - Site Visit.
Due to historical gold mining, the Karangahake Gorge and Victoria Battery site at Waikino face significant environmental and safety challenges. Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Hako, and Ngāti Tara Tokanui are key stakeholders in tackling these issues through remediation and safety measures.
Collaborative Efforts in Remediation
With our deep ancestral ties to the whenua & awa, the iwi are working with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to cap contaminated soils and tailings, preventing the spread of heavy metals and cyanide residues. Our cultural knowledge ensures these efforts respect tikanga and prioritise critical areas.
The Waikato Regional Council monitors water quality in the Ōhinemuri River, which is frequently affected by heavy metal and cyanide contamination. It issues warnings during events, like when sediment from old mine shafts turned the river orange.
Health and Safety Measures
Key initiatives include:
- Water Monitoring: The Waikato Regional Council conducts regular testing to detect contamination and alert the public when water is unsafe.
- Signage: Clear warnings about contamination and unstable structures are installed, with iwi emphasising public education on these risks.
- Structural Safety: Iwi and DOC collaborate on inspecting and maintaining heritage walkways and tunnels, ensuring visitor safety.
- Community Awareness: The iwi assists Hauraki District Council, Waikato Regional Council, and DOC in engaging locals and visitors to understand risks and participate in conservation efforts.
Kaitiakitanga
These efforts aim to restore the mauri (life force) of the whenua and awa. Our ongoing involvement will help restore mana to our tūpuna awa for the well-being of our future generations.
The partnership between Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Hako, Ngāti Tara Tokanui, DOC, Hauraki District Council, and the Waikato Regional Council emphasises the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific expertise to tackle environmental challenges and foster a safer, healthier future for the Ōhinemuri, the Waihou, and therefore Tikapa moana.
Pou Rāhui
Taura Kūtai - Weaving mātauranga Māori & Modern science
As kōanga awakens in Hauraki, the whenua and moana come alive. The call of pīpīwharauroa is heard, tūturiwhatu return to nest along our takutai, and the first stirrings of coastal life signal the season’s shift. This is a time of growth and preparation, as te taiao welcomes the embrace of spring, the herald of renewal.
For our mātai moana team, mātauranga Māori mapping wānanga guided us to the best sites along Tikapakapa for assisting mussel spat settlement. Co-developing strategies with iwi partners in the Pou Rāhui also brought our attention to urgent kaupapa like Caulerpa, temporarily delaying some restoration work.
With Caulerpa management now at its peak, we return to taonga species restoration. When modelling objectives for kūtai renewal with MUSA Mātai Moana, we first asked whether mussels could self-recruit. Kaumātua emphasised retaining the whakapapa of Tikapakapa kūtai, prioritising the population that sustained our tūpuna to continue nurturing our mokopuna.
We now enter the next phase, guided by wānanga to scope these pātai:
- Can we recruit our own mussels from Tikapakapa, in Tikapakapa, for Tikapakapa?
- Can we create biodegradable taura kūtai to assist spat settlement and reduce plastic in our moana and kaimoana?
- Can we build mid-water restoration stations that also promote biodiversity?
- Can mussels from these stations be relocated to the remaining traditional beds along our coastline?
Marine Scientist Professor Kura Paul Burke, of Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pukeko, and Ngāti Whakahemo descent, leads the revitalisation of green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) for the Pou Rāhui project. Combining mātauranga Māori and modern marine science, the project uses taura kuku/kūtai—spat lines woven from tī kōuka and harakeke. These natural lines replace plastic, reflecting cultural values while supporting environmental sustainability. In late September, we prepared and wove taura for deployment in the Te Mata rāhui area.
The success of this mahi has been widely recognised here for the Ōhiwa Harbour restoration. Since 2007, the mussel population has grown from 80,000 in 2019 to over 45 million by December 2024, showing how blending indigenous knowledge with science can restore kaimoana and care for the moana. Using tī kouka biowaste & mātauranga Māori methods proved an effective biodegradable tool for wild mussel spat settlement. Māori have long relied on native plant fibre as essential tools for survival.
This use of taura kūtai weaves tūpuna wisdom with today’s knowledge, carrying life through our kaimoana and binding past, present, and future across Tīkapa Moana.
Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation Wānanga
29th October 2025 -Register now whānau
Ngāti Tamaterā, in partnership with the Pou Take Āhuarangi National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF) and Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC), is advancing a coordinated climate adaptation kaupapa designed to strengthen the resilience of our marae, whānau, hapū, and wider Hauraki rohe. This collaboration demonstrates strategic alignment between iwi-led priorities, national advocacy, and local government planning, ensuring that adaptation pathways are both culturally grounded and future-focused.
Our joint approach reflects a commitment to collective impact, drawing together diverse expertise, mātauranga Māori, and resources to address the pressing challenges of climate change. By working in partnership, we can maximise investment in high-impact areas—supporting sustainable infrastructure, protecting our taiao, and ensuring intergenerational wellbeing.
Karanga ki te katoa! Nau mai Haere mai. Ngāti Tamaterā, invites all iwi, whānau, hapū, marae, papakāinga, and NGOs to join us at the Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation Wānanga. This one-day hui will be held at the Thames Bowling Club on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, with a Mihi Whakatau at 9:00 am sharp (kai provided).
Together, we’ll explore the impacts of climate change across Hauraki, share knowledge, and co-create pathways for stronger, future-focused communities. Your voice and whakaaro are vital as we build resilience for our whenua, our taiao, and the generations to come. Limited spaces available.
Oranga Ōhanga
Inaugural Hauraki Māori Business Awards
We’ve SOLD OUT, e te whānau!
Kia ora e te whānau,
We are thrilled to announce that the inaugural Hauraki Māori Business Awards on Friday, 17 October 2025, at the Silver Fern Farms Event Centre, Te Aroha has officially SOLD OUT!
This historic event will bring together iwi, hapū, businesses, and supporters from across Hauraki to celebrate excellence, innovation, and kaupapa Māori in business.
Applications closed on 19 September 2025 – and what an incredible response! Māori businesses from right across the motu put themselves forward across all award categories.
Our judging panel is now in action, carefully reviewing each application. Finalists will be announced soon, and trust us – the line-up is inspiring.
This journey has been full-on behind the scenes – but every step has been worth it to uplift, promote, and showcase the brilliance of Māori enterprise. Ngā mihi nunui to every business who applied, and to our judges for their expertise and commitment.
The excitement is building fast – with the HMBA team, whānau, iwi, and wider community all counting down the days until we gather to honour and celebrate our businesses together.
For those who won't be there in person, kaua e wareware! We will have a live stream of the evening available for you all to tune in, we will post further details on the Ngāti Tamaterā FB Page.
17 October can’t come soon enough – and we know it will be a night to remember.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Hauraki Māori Business Awards Team
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.
Local Elections 2025 – Your Vote, Your Voice, Your Future
Whānau living across the motu, have you voted yet?
The 2025 local elections are here, voting is now open and closes Saturday 11 October 12pm! This is our chance to help shape decisions that affect whānau, marae, whenua, and the future.
Whether it's housing, parks, transport, or how te Tiriti is upheld across our rohe — your vote matters and will make a difference.
Check out more info online for those whānau living in Tāmaki Makaurau: voteauckland.co.nz . If you’re not registered, don’t worry — enrol online and cast a special vote. E te whānau, don’t leave it to the last minute!
Enrol to vote here: https://vote.nz/.../enrol-or-update/enrol-or-update-online/
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.
Kaua e naughty, haere ki te poti!
Drivers' Licence Wānanga in Tāmaki - Book in Now!
The Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust has once again teamed up with Te Ara Haepapa from Auckland Transport to support our whānau to get their driver's licences.
This kaupapa is a 2-day workshop on Saturday, November 15th, and Sunday, November 16th, from 8:30 am until late and will be based in Tāmaki Makaurau (transport can be provided if necessary).
There are 30 spots available for whānau aged 16 years +. There is a small cost to our whānau of $30 to go towards your licence fee, and Ngāti Tamaterā have generously offered to fund the remainder of the fees. Commitment and attendance are required to ensure you are supported throughout this journey to successfully obtain your licence. To attend the course for learners, you must be 16. For the restricted and full licence course, you must have a current learner's or restricted license.
What do the 2 days look like?
8:30 am gather at The Cause Collective (15 Earl Richardson Avenue, Wiri, Manukau, Wiri, Auckland
2104)
Day 1: Learner’s workshop held in one area. Practice tests and building confidence to understand road rules.
Day 2: More practice tests, then sit your learner's licence.
A restricted and half-day workshop is held together. Once the workshop is complete, driving instructors will take you for a practical test to see areas of strength and for improvement.
Day 2: More driving training, book your restricted and full for an applicable date.
Following the workshop for restricted and full, you will be provided with extra driving lessons
with trained instructors between the time of the workshop and the date your licence test is booked, a car will also be provided for your testing day.
How to secure a spot on this kaupapa:
Register your interest with Te Wai at tewai.unasa@tamatera.iwi.nz or 0220768630
Be available to attend the two-day workshop in its entirety.
Have the appropriate documents as listed in the ID fact sheet.
Provide $30 payment to the nominated bank account provided.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out. As this will fill up fast, you are
required to have the above information to secure your spot.
Karawhiua! Be quick, whānau, and gain your licence to remain safe and legal on our roads.
Hui Tāne Roadshow - coming to Hauraki!
Across Aotearoa, many of our tāne continue to face challenges such as cultural disconnection, alcohol and drug harm, violence, incarceration, depression and suicide. Hui Tāne provides a kaupapa Māori space for reconnection, resilience and collective strength.
Led by Hone Harawira - ANT Trust, and supported by Ngāti Tamaterā Settlement Trust and Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki - Healthy Families, this wānanga invites tāne, rangatahi, service providers, whānau and iwi partners to come together to share, learn and build pathways forward for tāne ora.
Join us in continuing this important kaupapa here in Hauraki.
Please share this with your networks and any other contacts working in this field or who may be interested.
Notices
Hauraki Games
The Return of Hauraki Pā Wars.
We are proud to announce the long-awaited return of Hauraki Pā Wars in 2026 – now the Hauraki Games!
Date: Saturday, 21st March 2026
Venue: Te Puru o Te Rangi, Paeroa Domain
A celebration of our whanaungatanga, unity, and the strength of our people. Marae and pā from across Hauraki will gather once again for a day of sport, fun, and connection.
Make sure you contact your marae to register and secure your place in the Games.
Stay updated by following Hauraki Games on Facebook or reach out to us directly at haurakigames@gmail.co.nz
Haere mai, be part of the kaupapa, and let’s celebrate the return of the Hauraki Games 2026!
