He hūare ki te waha, he ahi ki te puku, he pākura ki te pō, he kārearea ki te ao.
With spit in our mouths and fire in our bellies, we are swamp hens by night and falcon by day.
We are Rongowhakaata, descendants of Turahiri, Moetai, Uetupuke, Rongowhakaata and Ruapani. Our lineage traces back to the arrival of the Horouta, Takitimu and Te Tini ā Toi. Known for our artistry and innovation, our history is rich in narratives of abundance and vitality. We are re-writing the deficit narrative of colonisation and Cook’s naming of Poverty Bay: holding fast to our identity in the vibrancy of the kūmara. Te Ngahuru Tikotikoiere is our concept of abundance.
We practice engaging mana ki te mana, with strategy, relationship and rangatiratanga. The development of our mātauranga and its integration into our practices is pivotal to our prosperity. Inter-generational and long-term planning is key for the preservation and revitalisation of our whenua, our people and our and cultural identity.
Taku Whare Kōrero
Taku Whare Whakapapa
Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust was established post-settlement to administer iwi assets and act on behalf of Rongowhakaata iwi in an official capacity. Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust is governed by a board of trustees who are elected by registered members of Rongowhakaata iwi.
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Manutuke Marae rep & Chair Staci Hare
Whakatō Marae rep & Deputy Chair Moera Brown
Te Kuri ā Tuatai Marae rep & Deputy Chair Tama Waipara
Ohako Marae rep Phil Hokianga
Te Pāhou Marae rep Fleur Paenga
Iwi Representative Connie Maynard
Iwi Representative Roxanne Smith
Elected Trustee Joy Tautuhi
Rongowhakaata Iwi Committees
Audit, Risk, and Finance Committee
Appointments and Remuneration Committee
Rongowhakaata Iwi Entities
Tūranga Group Holdings Ltd (TGHL)
Rongowhakaata Iwi Asset Holding Company (RIAHC)
Taku Tūrangawaewae
Our work is housed within three distinct functions;
Rongo function grows uri (descendants) and their connection to their Rongowhakaata identity and leadership practice.
Whakaata designs and builds a sustainable Rongowhakaata economy.
Wharekai function supports the direction and cohesion of the organisation through developing its people, systems, and processes aligned with the vitality strategy.
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Kaihautū Teina Moetera
Kaiurungi (Wharekai) (Acting) Te Rina Whaanga
Kaiurungi Pae (Rongo) Francis Hare
Kaiurungi Tū (Whakaata) Alex Matheson
Kāhui Kaumātua
The Kāhui Kaumātua are pivotal in providing cultural leadership and guidance to the Trust’s governance and leadership teams. Their invaluable authority and experience are the cornerstone of our collective journey. By elevating the insights and voices of our elders, we enhance our decision making, and pave the way forward as a resilient and culturally vibrant Iwi.
Te Ngahuru Tikotikoiere
The preservation and revitalisation of our ecosystems, landmarks, water bodies and repo are vital for the well being of our people.
Growing mātauranga and fostering kaitiekitanga, is essential to strengthening the connection of our people, our places.
Working across places of key cultural & historical significance Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust taiao team; Te Ngahuru Tikotikoiere, elevate environmental indigenous leadership of restoration practices.
For inquires contact rongowhakaata.taiao@rongowhakaata.iwi.nz
