A day in the life with our iti kopara negotiators 🌿 They switched it up this trip and ditched negotiations to join our research team and capture some content! 🎥✨ they are looking at expanding the Rangatahi presence within the treaty settlement space, to provide our iwi with fresh perspectives and input from our young ones!💡 sound like you? Dm us and we’ll send some info! 🔥 Arohanuuiiii!
We travelled to Te Whanganui-a-Tara with our research team and headed to Nga Taonga Sound and Vision to watch old footage held in the archives… hearing the voices of those who came before us, it was an emotional experience! He mahi nui tēnei mō ta mātou rōpū rangahau 🥺🌿 to find, protect, and carry our kōrero forward mō Ngāi Tai, mō ngā uri whakaheke, kia kore ai e ngaro ✨
Ngāi Tai Treaty Negotiations Update ✨ We have reached Agreement in Principle (AIP). What comes next: Deed of Settlement → Ratification → Legislation These are important steps forward for Ngāi Tai as we continue towards settlement! Have your say on the establishment of our PSGE (post settlement governing entity) by clicking the link and filling out the form 💪🏼🌿 🔗 https://forms.office.com/r/FcT8WBsYs6
📖 Part of the settlement process is that we need to create a Post Settlement Governance Entity - PSGE for short. The entity that will receive and manage our settlement for generations to come. This isn’t just a legal structure. It’s how Ngai Tai will be represented, how decisions are made, and how we hold each other and our leadership accountable. 🌿💪🏼 We NEED your input on three key areas: • Representation - who speaks for us • Transparency - how we stay informed • Accountability - how leadership is held to account It takes less than 10 minutes to share your whakaaro. 👉 Have your say here: https://forms.office.com/r/FcT8WBsYs6 Fill in form open for feedback until April 13th 2026 3pm. Your voice will help shape the future of Ngai Tai. Mā Ngai Tai Mō Ngai Tai E Ai Kia Ngai Tai 🌱✨ For more info or access to downloadable resources please email: communications@ngaitai.iwi.nz
MARCH HUI Ā IWI ✨ Ngai Tai e!! Nau mai haere mai! Join us for our upcoming Hui-a-iwi as we come together at Tōrere Marae to kōrero, share kai, and hear updates on kaupapa important to our iwi, including progress within negotiations. Stay informed and be part of the kōrero as we move forward as Ngai Tai 🌿 📅 Sunday 22 March 2026 ⏰ 10am – 12pm 📍 Tōrere Marae 🍽 Please bring a plate of Kai to share 🔗 The agenda and zoom link will be shared closer to the date for those who cant attend a tinana. 👀 Please keep an eye on this event as we will continue to post updates and information leading up to the hui.
Treaty Settlement Negotiations Update Kia ora whānau, Following the signing of our Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) in December, we recommenced negotiations with the Crown on 29 January, moving into the Deed of Settlement (DoS) phase. This year we’ll be working through key settlement details and preparing an initialled DoS, ready for whānau ratification (voting) next year at the earliest. We’ll continue engaging with you via hui-ā-iwi and keeping you updated here. 📅 Upcoming Hui-ā-Iwi: • Sun 1 March – Conservation land selections • Sun 22 March – Post Settlement Governance Entity wānanga • Sun 19 April | Sun 10 May | Sun 14 June Further details to come. Nau mai, haere mai - in person or online! 📸 Photos below: some of our whānau visiting some Conversation blocks behind Whitikau and Takaputahi with the Crown team last week. Beautiful day on our beautiful whenua. Mauriora ki a tātou!
***Announcement of 2026 Election of Board Member Result*** Tēnā koutou e te iwi, On behalf of Ngaitai Iwi Authority, we are pleased to share the official results of the 2026 Election of Board Members, held between Wednesday 21 January and 5pm Friday 13 February. We acknowledge all nominees for putting their names forward in service to our iwi, and we thank all whānau who participated in the voting process. Kiri Maxwell, Rangi Williams, Carlene Davis, and Lisa Kelly have been declared elected by returning officer Ben Roser. Thank you to Hone Ti Rire, Kaareen Hotereni and Heather Ruru for putting your throwing your names in the hat. There were 262 voting documents returned from 1,884 voters issued a voting pack, this being a 13.91% return. No informal votes were received, 22 invalid votes and no blank votes recorded. Ben Roser Independent Election Services Ltd Returning Officer for Ngaitai Iwi Authority From the Chair "These elections represent just over three years since Ngāi Tai came together to vote for trustees onto a new Board, after 7 years in abeyance. I am pleased to see Kiri, Lisa and Carlene return to serve another term on the board and welcome Rangi - E hoa nau mai, haere mai." "It is with sadness that we will no longer have the calm and supportive presence of Kaareen Hotereni. Her aroha and manaaki for her people was punctuated by her dedication to her mahi on the Board. Chelsea Grootveld could not have captured Kaareen's āhua better by stating "Nāhau te tirohanga Māori, Nāhau anō hoki te matauranga me te reo rangatira. Mei kore ake koe hei tohutohu i a mātou. He aroha mutunga more'."" - Nā Anaru Vercoe Thank you all who turned out to vote. Kia kaha, kia mau, kia ora.
📜 He hītori. He whakapapa. He mana. Today we acknowledge our Ngai Tai tīpuna who signed Te Tiriti at Tōrere and the ongoing mahi to reclaim, remember and affirm our place in history. Ngai Tai tū tonu. Ngai Tai Manawapohatu. Ngai Tai Merewhakatopa. 🩵 #hokiwhenuamai #tetiritiowaitanga #ngaitaimotuhake
Tēnā tātou e ngā uri o Ngai Tai. At our Ngaitai Iwi Authority AGM on Saturday we tabled a submission to the Environment Committee opposing the Planning & Natural Environment Bills. To read more about why Ngai Tai does not support the proposed bills and for a copy of the submission please click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PVKb9FGngcKWBVaur_Qi56todDktYIxd/view?usp=drivesdk A few quick reasons why are: The changes remove references to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and weaken protections for Māori rights to our whenua, wai and taonga. While the current RMA isn’t perfect, it has allowed iwi to have a real voice in decisions that affect our taonga. Under the new laws, iwi would only be heard if certain documents or agreements are in place. Iwi without these risk being left out completely. There are also concerns about who will be making decisions, with plans to replace regional councillors with people who may not understand iwi relationships or Treaty settlements. Bottom line: these bills reduce Māori influence and risk sidelining iwi voices in decisions about our taonga.
📜 Did you know? In the early 1930s, Ngai Tai were under heavy financial pressure due to Crown survey liens and local council rates placed over their whenua at Tōrere. By August 1930, the total debt exceeded £3,000. Although the Crown later wrote off a significant portion, Ngai Tai were still left owing £870. To clear this debt, Ngai Tai made the difficult decision to alienate three blocks of Tōrere land. In 1931, the Native Land Court vested these blocks in the Crown. By 1937, after land consolidation, they became Tōrere 63, covering 5,359 acres. In 1976, the land was set aside as State Forest Land, and by 1979, it was formally classified as a State Forest Park. 🌱 This story reflects how financial mechanisms and legislation led to the permanent loss of Ngai Tai whenua, land that once sustained generations becoming Crown forest land within a few decades. Ko te whenua te oranga o te iwi. #ngaitaiwhenua #hokiwhenuamai #landback #ngaitaimanamotuhake
In 1922, Uru Rewiti of Ngai Tai at Tōrere wrote to the Minister of Native Affairs with a simple but deeply meaningful request: A new New Zealand flag for the marae. The existing flag once gifted by the Crown to Wiremu Kingi had become too worn to continue flying as what Uru Rewiti described as “an emblem of affection.” That original flag carried a powerful history. It had flown during campaigns against Te Kooti and throughout the Urewera, bearing witness to moments of conflict, endurance and shifting relationships between the Crown and iwi. In November 1922, the Crown responded by replacing the flag. Yet history repeated itself. By 1934, more than a decade later, “Mio Tupe” (possibly Tupe Mio) wrote again, explaining that the 1922 flag was now too “torn and tattered” to be flown with dignity. This time, the Crown sent a striking replacement a large red New Zealand Ensign measuring 12 by 6 feet. These exchanges tell a quiet but powerful story of respect, of symbols carrying mana and of the care taken to ensure that what flies on the marae reflects honour, connection and aroha. Uru Rewiti to Coates, 28 September 1922, Flag for Ngai Tai Iwi R22408276, ACIH 16036, 1922/32/7, Archives New Zealand
NIA Annual Report 2025 (Low res for easy sharing and printing). https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KSqxgTOVntFytu_C45OEbUC9qxveigpT/view?usp=drive_link NIA AGM The Ngaitai Iwi Authority Board of Trustees will be holding their Annual General Meeting at 10:00am on Saturday 31 January 2026 at Torere Marae, 10 Te Waiiti Road, Torere. ELECTIONS We have received more than 4 nominations and an election will be required Elections NZ will administer the election process. The election will be held by postal, online and ballot box voting under the First Past the Post electoral system. Voting packs will be issued to Adult Registered Iwi Members by email or post on Wednesday 21 January 2026, with in-person voting closing at 12pm, Saturday 31 January 2026 and postal/online voting closing at 5pm, Friday 13 February 2026. Successful candidates will be announced on Monday 16 February 2026 via Social Media. Details of how to register with NIA- see page 29 of the report.
Our strength has always lived in our people. Already, 2,168 of our whānau aged 18+ are registered with the iwi, a powerful foundation as we move into our next chapter together. Heoi anō, kāore anō kia oti. Some of our whānau are already active on O-RA, and many have been carried across from our previous Google form. Now is the time to jump in, check your details, and update them so our iwi voice is strong, current and future-ready. When you register and update your details, you are: - Upholding Ngai Tai rangatiratanga and strengthening decision-making for our people - Staying connected to pānui, hui, kaupapa and opportunities - Standing alongside our tīpuna and mokopuna, in the same heartbeat 📊 You can also explore our Ngāi Tai population data from the 2023 Census on Te Whata here: 👉 https://tewhata.io/ngai-tai/social/people/demographics/ Update your details, get registered, tag your whānau and share this post. Ngāi Tai tū tonu. Ngāi Tai manawanui. Ngāi Tai ora!
✨Ngā mihi o te tau hou Pākehā e ngā uri o Ngai Tai✨ Happy New Year whānau! As we say ka kite to 2025 and prepare to welcome 2026, e mihi ana mātou ki a koutou katoa mō tō koutou aroha, tautoko me te kotahitanga i tēnei tau kua pahure. While we celebrate the Gregorian (Pākehā) New Year tonight, kia maumahara hoki ki ō tātou ake tikanga; te tau hou Māori will return again midyear to refresh our wairua and whenua 🌿 He pātai mā koutou: 💭 He aha tō tino maumaharatanga o te tau 2025? 🌅 He aha hoki ō wawata mō te tau hou? Drop a GIF or comment below showing how you’re celebrating tonight! 🎉 Mauri ora. #ngaitaiuri #ngaitaimanamotuhake #ngaitaimātauranga
Ngai Tai Negotiations Wrap Up He tau whakahirahira tēnei mō Ngāi Tai! 🌿 Our negotiators, research, interview team, communicatiions and rangatahi observers have had a huge year with hui-ā-iwi, Crown negotiations, Agreement in Principle roadshows around the motu and kōrero with our pakeke. 💥 The absolute pinnacle of 2025 was the signing of our Agreement in Principle (AIP) a major milestone in the Treaty settlement journey for Ngai Tai. This moment reflects generations of dedication, perseverance, and aroha from our people. Our rangahau team worked tirelessly alongside Crown historians on our historical report, while our awesome comms team has been out front driving engagement, keeping our iwi informed, connected and part of every step of this journey. From updates at Torerenui-a-Rua to stories shared online, our kaupapa has always been about bringing our people with us. We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and grateful for everyone who has contributed their time, mātauranga, and wairua to this mahi and to you our whānau for engaging, asking questions and keeping us accountable 💚 Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou katoa, e kore rawa e mimiti te aroha me te whakamānawa. Next steps: (to be updated soon)
Observing tohu o te moana means we relate to the moana as an tipuna, a teacher and an indicator of balance not just a pantry for kai. At the heart of Ngai Tai understandings of taiao and moana is listening. Listening to the signs, the rhythms and the shifts that tell us when the moana is well and when it needs time to heal. Practices like rāhui are expressions of kaitiakitanga a conscious pause that honours these tohu, allowing the moana the space to restore its mauri. When we listen, we protect. When we protect, we sustain. For today, and for generations to come. He rāhui e haere ake nei. Please stay up to date with the Biotoxin warning for the Eastern Bay of Plenty here https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HP6Y3UKNi/
🎄 Holiday Update for Our Hapori 🎄 Our contractors at the kura slip are taking a well-earned break from today through to 5 January. Over the Christmas period, the priority give way will remain in place, so please drive with care and expect short delays if you’re travelling through the area. The Rūnanga office will be closed from today until 12 January for the holiday period. ♻️ Rubbish & Recycling Centre hours: • Open Monday 22 December • Open Monday 29 December • Reopens 8 January in the New Year From all of us, thank you for your patience and support over the year. We wish you and your whānau a safe, restful and happy holiday season. ✨ Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia ✨
Kia ora e te whānau, Our Rangatahi team would like to extend a heartfelt mihi to everyone who joined us for our Rangatahi Wānanga in Takaputahi on the 13th of December. The kōrero, energy and participation from our rangatahi made this wānanga both meaningful and uplifting. It’s inspiring to see our young people engaging with purpose and passion for our future direction. A special acknowledgement and thank you to our rangatahi observer, Hoana for her leadership and mahi in making this wānanga a success, and to Cheyenne for capturing these incredible moments. We also extend our gratitude to Koro Buster for sharing hītori kōrero, both during the haerenga and while at Takaputahi - grounding us deeply in our whakapapa and memory. He mihi nui tēnei kia Nanny Lucy for taking the time to kōrero with our rangatahi about our negotiations, PSGE structure and future aspirations. Your mātauranga and foresight continue to inspire how we carry this kaupapa forward. Lastly, a big thank you to our ringa mākaru for the incredible kai and manaakitanga that kept everyone well-nourished throughout our time together. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa who contributed to the success of this wānanga, your tautoko, guidance and aroha are what make these spaces possible. #RangatahiWānanga #Takaputahi #WhānauKaupapa
He rā whakamānawa, he rā whakahirahira. On Sunday 7th December in our whare tipuna, Tōrere-nui-ā-rua we signed our Agreement in Principle. A significant milestone in the settlement journey of Ngai Tai. Guided by our framework: Whakapūmautia te mana motuhake o Ngai Tai, affirming the self-determination of Ngai Tai through Wairuatanga, Whenua, Whānau and Whanaungatanga We acknowledge the strength, resilience and aroha that carried us to this moment. This Agreement is more than words on paper; it reflects generations of perseverance and the collective heartbeat of our iwi as we move forward together. Ngai Tai Manawanui, Ngai Tai Manawaroa, Ngai Tai Manawapohatu. E kore tō tātou ihi, wehi, mana, wairua e mimiti! Find the link here to our signed Agreement in Principle: https://whakatau.govt.nz/te-tira-kurapounamu-treaty-settlements/find-a-treaty-settlement/ngai-tai-torere https://ngaitai.iwi.nz #AIPsigning #ngaitaimanamotuhake #hokiwhenuamai
Ngai Tai has taken an important step forward in our longstanding journey toward Treaty settlement. Last week, our Ngai Tai iwi negotiators received the Agreement in Principle (AIP) from Ministers Goldsmith and Potaka at the Beehive. The document was then returned home to our Whare in Tōrere, the capital of Ngai Tai, where the signing was completed with the support of whānau and kaumātua. The AIP represents a significant milestone, setting out the key foundations for our eventual settlement. The original Ngai Tai claim was lodged nearly forty years ago, and progress to this stage has taken the past two years of dedicated mahi. Throughout this process, many of our people who began this journey are no longer with us, yet their legacy remains a source of strength and guidance. This phase marks a moment of reflection, perseverance, and unity for our iwi. As expressed in the House, the Treaty process is complex and cannot restore all that has been lost. However, it presents an opportunity to rebuild, renew, and strengthen the foundations for a sustainable future for Ngai Tai and our descendants. With unity and purpose, our iwi moves forward with hope and determination. Looking ahead, our focus now turns to the completion of the Deed of Settlement (DoS), the ratification process, and ultimately reaching full settlement. Much work remains, but the progress achieved reflects the determination and collective effort of generations of Ngai Tai whānau. We extend our appreciation to all who have contributed to this kaupapa and those who will continue it into the future. #ngaitaimanamotuhake #highlights #AIPsigning #ngaitaiwhakapapa
E te iwi, Our Hui ā Iwi SGM & AIP Signing begins at 10:00am this Sunday the 7th of December ki Tōrere Marae. If you’re joining us online, please use the Zoom details below: 🔗 Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83787632934?pwd=aCz2OjKdOO4x0yiQaaKqZdJauydnbX.1 🆔 Meeting ID: 837 8763 2934 🔑 Passcode: 454957 Hōtaka for both kaupapa for the day is in the graphics below. Mauri ora and see you there 🌿
“Some of my best childhood memories are up Takaputahi. It’s where we grew up, where our feet learned the tracks, our voices echoed through the ngahere and our bond as cousins was shaped. Holiday programmes with Uncle Taff were the highlight of every break… kai, laughter, missions through the bush and lessons we didn’t even realise we were learning at the time. Takaputahi was our classroom, our playground, our safe place and the ngahere and the awa raised us in ways only home can.” 🩵🌿🏞️ Hoana Ahlers #takapūtahi #ngaitaiwhenua #ngaitaimanamotuhake
Ngai Tai Manawanui. Ngai Tai Manawaroa. Ngai Tai Manawapōhatu. These kupu speak to who we are as Ngai Tai. Manawanui: steadfast and committed, holding our line with patience and purpose. Manawaroa: resilient, with the grit to endure and rise again. Manawapōhatu: the heart of stone not hardened, but hearty, unshakeable. Our old people say our tīpuna looked down and thought we were eating stones on the beach… but when you dig beneath them, the fresh water flows. That is us, strength on the surface, life at the source. Ngai Tai Unmoveable in wairua, overflowing in mauri. Ko tātou tēnei. E te whānau, we want to hear your stories. Share your history, your memories, your kōrero tuku iho about our iwi. Tukua mai ki raro ⬇️
He karanga tēnei ki ngā Rangatahi o Ngāi Tai 18–39 years old ✨ This camp is a powerful opportunity to connect or re-connect with our whenua, our stories and each other. It’s a space for us as rangatahi to gather, kōrero, dream big and shape the future of Ngāi Tai. You’ll also have the chance to share your voice on what our PSGE structure should look like not just for our own future, but for our tamariki and mokopuna who will walk these paths after us. If you haven’t already, join our Ngāi Tai Rangatahi page to stay updated and be part of the kaupapa. 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17cmVtdwnv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Calling for Nominations - Ngāi Tai Fisheries & Wai Committee 📣 Ngā mihi nui e te whānau, We are now calling for nominations to join the Ngāi Tai Fisheries and Wai Committee. This is a great opportunity to be part of protecting and guiding the future of our taiao and customary fisheries within the rohe of Ngāi Tai. Nominations are open now and close 30 November 2025 How to Apply: Send your nomination to kiaora.ngaitai@gmail.com Please include: • A cover letter outlining your interest • Any supporting documents, such as a CV or résumé • All nominations will be reviewed and appointments confirmed by the Ngāi Tai Iwi Authority. Purpose of the Committee: To oversee the management, conservation, and sustainable use of customary waters and fisheries within our rohe. Key Objectives: • Protect the taiao and the interests of Ngāi Tai. • Develop strong kaitiaki through learning and skill development. • Provide guidance on policies and practices related to water and fisheries. • Monitor and assess the health of aquatic ecosystems. • Ensure whānau engagement in decision making • Promote sustainable practices among users of our resources "He taonga te wai, he taonga te ika" - our waters and fisheries are treasures. Join us in safeguarding them for future generations.
Upcoming SGM Why now? Changes arising from the Māori Fisheries Settlement review are captured in the Māori Fisheries Amendment Act 2024, which takes effect 26 July 2026. NIA must update its Trust Deed to remain compliant and is also proposing modernising changes (e.g., clearer definitions, alignment with the Trusts Act 2019 and Charities Act 2005, and enabling electronic communications/voting). Agenda Karakia/Mihi Whakatū Apologies Discussion and questions on the proposed changes to the Trust Deed Explanation of the Resolutions and the Voting Process Voting and Results Karakia Resolutions Approve amendments to the current Trust Deed to comply with the Māori Fisheries Amendment Act 2024 and remain compliant with the Māori Fisheries Act 2004, confirming these are for the collective benefit of all Ngāitai Iwi Members. Adopt the Amended and Restated Trust Deed as the new deed of trust for NIA. Voting process Voters do not need to attend the SGM to vote. We encourage all members to attend to understand the amendments to the Trust Deed. A secure ballot box will be provided for votes cast at the SGM. All registered iwi members who are over the age of 18, before the close of voting, can vote in the following ways: By post (by completing and returning the voting form); and By casting your vote at the Special General Meeting on the day. For the avoidance of doubt, proxy votes are not allowed. Voting opens Monday 3 November and closes 12pm Friday 5 December. If you wish to vote by post, request a voting pack from kiaora.ngaitai@gmail.com at least 14 days before the SGM. Votes made by iwi members who are over the age of 18 who are not currently registered will be subject to verification that the voter fits within the criteria for eligibility, in accordance with the Trust Deed.
Ngāi Tai AIP Roadshow Highlights ✨ Over the past two weeks, our uri have shown up with pride and aroha from Whakatāne to Rotorua, Auckland to Wellington each hui filled with kōrero, kaitiakitanga and connection. Here’s a snippet of the journey we’ve been on together. #Roadshow #AIP #NgāiTaiWhakapapa
Ngāi Tai AIP Roadshow Highlights ✨ The past two AIP Roadshow presentations have been incredible, full of kōrero, connection and engagement from our Ngāi Tai whānau. It’s been a privilege to share updates, answer pātai and wānanga together about the future direction of our iwi. We’re now halfway through the journey, with three more locations to go: 📍 Auckland – Happening today! 📍 Wellington – 21 October 📍 Hamilton – 28 October 👉 Check out our Events Page for direct links pinned at the top of all our social media platforms. Register here for catering and mailing list: https://wkf.ms/45TpZ4f Big mihi to everyone who has attended so far. Your presence and voice make this kaupapa what it is. #NgāiTaiIwi #AIPRoadshow #Kotahitanga
✨ Ngāi Tai Iwi Authority AIP Roadshow ✨ Ngāi Tai Iwi Authority are taking the Agreement in Principle (AIP) on the road! 🚐 Join us as we share this important presentation with our whānau across the motu. Here are the confirmed locations and dates so far: 📍 Whakatāne https://www.facebook.com/share/1MgBdyX18N/ ✅ 📍 Rotorua https://www.facebook.com/share/174tXVjSC7/ ✅ 📍 Auckland https://www.facebook.com/share/17CQAv3X8t/ ✅ 📍 Wellington https://www.facebook.com/share/1A8oTkmLEn/ ✅ 📍 Hamilton https://www.facebook.com/share/1BCVcsZBwP/ ✅ 📍Gisborne https://www.facebook.com/share/17SZQ4eqdC/?mibextid=wwXIfr Come along, listen, ask questions and be part of this significant moment in our Ngāi Tai journey💬💙 #NgāiTaiIwi #AIPRoadshow #NgāiTaiManaMotuhake #NgāiTaiWhakapapa