Explore our governing bodies—who they are and what they do.

On 30 September 2011, Rongowhakaata signed a Deed of Settlement at Whakatō Marae, Manutūkē. The Rongowhakaata Settlement Trust now manages assets from this settlement, supported by business groups within our governance that aid our Trustees in key decisions.

Over the years, we’ve navigated both traditional and formal trustee models to reach where we are today.

Where did it all start?

In 1986, TROTAK (Te Runanga o Tūranganui a Kiwa) was established to assert our tino rangatiratanga as Tūranga Iwi. Following our Treaty claim in 1989, the Rongowhakaata Claims Committee was formed. In 2011, the Rongowhakaata Settlement Trust was established to manage settlement assets, later becoming the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust.

Where are we today?

There are currently 17 individuals in governance roles – comprising of eight elected Trustees and nine skilled independent directors and committee members – who uphold our Deed's requirements while anchoring decisions in mātauranga Māori.

These committees play a vital role for the Board, supporting our commitment to competency, reliability, and integrity. They help establish internal processes to address significant challenges and issues while maintaining consistent performance. Members of committees are appointed, rather than elected, based on skills, collective experience, and diverse perspectives.

We measure success beyond financial gains, aligning outcomes with our core values of Tūranga tangata, Tūranga toi, and Tūranga whenua. Since 2022, we’ve moved from passive to active investment in iwi assets, prioritising both financial growth and cultural wellbeing to benefit future generations.

Our decisions are shaped by Rongowhakaata identity and mātauranga, not dictated by Western frameworks. This balance allows us to adapt to changing environments and adapt as governments change, just as our entrepreneurial tīpuna did.

Meet our leadership and learn more about what they do.

  • What is Tūranga Group Holdings Limited (TGHL)?

    TGHL is where we manage the whenua owned by Rongowhakaata in Tūranga, in line with Ture Pākehā (legal requirements). It’s a commercial holding company owned 100% by Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust, designed to hold and grow assets on behalf of our iwi.

    But TGHL isn’t just about legal compliance. It’s an opportunity to rethink how we care for our whenua, reconnect with our identity, and bring our Indigenous values into the business space. We’re working to actively connect with the whenua, not just passively manage it.

    What does TGHL do?

    Since Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust is a charitable entity, it can’t hold commercial assets. That’s TGHL’s role.

    TGHL manages and grows our iwi’s commercial assets, like properties and investments. Its purpose is to generate sustainable economic returns for the Iwi, while embedding Rongowhakaata values into every decision.

    What are the commercial assets we are talking about?

    The properties and assets that are part of the Iwi Trusts Group portfolio such as Waiohihahore (the railway station), Peel st property, as well as new assets we have invested in like the Native Nursery at Matawhero. You can find out more about our Iwi Assets here.

    How did it come about?

    TGHL was set up post settlement to manage our commercial assets.

    Why do we need TGHL?

    TGHL provides the governance and expertise needed to grow our assets in a way that prioritizes our identity and values over profit alone.

    By focusing on investments that nurture mātauranga, we aim to:

    • Strengthen mana whenua identity

    • Empower our people to lead confidently

    • Achieve long-term vitality for our iwi

    In 2022-23, we shifted from relying on Government contracts to growing our own capital through TGHL’s investment strategies.

    Who runs TGHL?

    In New Zealand, every registered company must have at least one director who meets legal obligations.

    TGHL is governed by experienced individuals with mātauranga-led perspectives and skills in business, law, and economics.

    The current directors are:

    • Puka Moeau (Chair – Independent)

    • David van der Zouwe (Independent Director)

    • Moera Brown (RIT Trustee Director)

    • Phila Lagaluga (Associate Director)

    Directors are appointed by the elected RIT Trustees for three-year terms, which can be extended.

  • What is RIAHC?
    Established under the Māori Fisheries Act 2004, RIAHC is the commercial arm of the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust, managing fisheries assets on behalf of the iwi. It’s a fully owned subsidiary of the Iwi Trust.

    What does RIAHC do?
    RIAHC oversees fisheries assets to ensure they are managed sustainably and profitably, supporting the iwi’s economic growth and wellbeing.


    What are our fisheries assets?
    These include fishing rights, quotas, and shares allocated through Treaty settlements. Managed according to Rongowhakaata values, they provide dividends that support our iwi.

    Who leads RIAHC?
    The RIAHC Board consists of one trustee and two independent appointees with expertise in fisheries, commerce, and mātauranga Māori. Current members are:

    • Puka Moeau (Chair)

    • Maru Samuels

    • Fleur Paenga

    • Kleat Nepe (Consultant)

    Who makes appointments?
    Board members are appointed by the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust Board based on individuals with proven skills and experience in fisheries, commercial sectors, and mātauranga.

  • What is A&R?
    A&R is a sub-committee of the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust that manages appointments and remuneration for key roles within the Trust.

    What does it do?
    A&R supports the Board by developing and overseeing policies and processes for:

    • Recruiting and appointing Trustees, Directors, Committee members, Management, and kaimahi.

    • Setting and reviewing pay structures and expense policies.

    • Evaluating performance and providing training recommendations.

    Why is it important?
    A&R ensures decisions are objective and transparent, particularly where conflicts of interest may arise.

    Who is on the Committee?
    The Committee includes one Trustee and two independent members. Management cannot join.

    • Roxanne Smith (Chair)

    • Katrina Thomson

    • Tania Rauna

    Who makes the appointments?
    The Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust Board appoints A&R members, including the Chair.

    What skills are required?
    Members must have:

    • Knowledge of Rongowhakaata reo me ōna tikanga.

    • Senior experience in human resources.

    • Understanding of the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust Deed.

    How often does A&R meet?
    The Committee meets at least four times a year, with additional meetings as needed.

  • What is AR&F?
    AR&F safeguards the Trust’s financial health, manages risks, and ensures compliance with regulations. It advises the Board, which makes final financial decisions.

    What does AR&F do?
    Key responsibilities include:

    • Communicating with auditors.

    • Reviewing financial reports, policies, and audits.

    • Monitoring compliance with statutory requirements.

    • Overseeing corporate risk assessments and internal controls.

    Why is AR&F important?
    It ensures financial accuracy, reduces risks, and maintains trust in financial reporting.

    Who is on the Committee?

    • Connie Maynard (Chair)

    • Hikurangi Mills

    • Tiria Waitai

    Who appoints members?
    The Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust Board. Management cannot be a member of the committee.

    Required skills:

    • Knowledge of Rongowhakaata reo me ōna tikanga.

    • Expertise in financial practices and reporting.

    • Experience in financial management.

    • Ability to interpret financial statements.

    How long are terms?
    Members serve three-year terms, with the possibility of extension.

    How often do they meet?
    Every two months, with a minimum of four meetings annually. Additional meetings may be called for urgent matters.