Rāpare 27 Hui-tānguru 2025 | Thursday 27 February 2025

The following information is in this pānui:

• Caulerpa
• Blake Inspire 2025 
• Pou Rāhui
• National Iwi chairs forum
• Planting at Waikawau Farm
• Introducing Elle Archer & Ngareta Skipper
• Te Reo Pakiaka programme
• Digital technology workshops in schools
• The Inaugural Hauraki Māori Business Awards 2025
• Local Resilience survey
• Enhancing Māori engagement in Local Government

Invasive Caulerpa in Tīkapa Moana and Te Moananui ā Toi

Invasive Caulerpa (Caulerpa brachypus and Caulerpa parvifolia) is an aggressive, fast-spreading seaweed that poses a major threat to the marine ecosystems of Tīkapa Moana and Te Moananui ā Toi. First detected in Aotea Great Barrier and subsequently in other areas, this invasive species blankets the seabed outcompeting native marine plants, disrupting kai moana habitats, and threatening customary and commercial fisheries.

In partnership with iwi and agencies we have completed a Better Business Case that was presented to the Government just before Christmas 2024 on proposals to strengthen the marine biosecurity response to invasive Caulerpa. This business case was backed by the Pou Rāhui iwi with support from regional council partners and peer-reviewed by independent scientific and mātauranga experts. 

It was a significant collaborative process within a short space of time. This business case is now with the Government and a range of discussions are occurring. We await further discussions with both Government and Councils on taking our recommendations forward.

We're excited to announce that BLAKE Inspire is back for 2025! Applications are now open for Year 11-13 students to take part in this incredible opportunity to develop leadership skills and tackle key environmental issues.

BLAKE, in partnership with the Ministry for the Environment, will host four INSPIRE weeks throughout the year, where up to 140 passionate young environmental leaders will work alongside scientists, environmental experts, and leaders.

Key Details:

• Fully subsidized scholarships and partially subsidized spots available (flights included).
• Dates and locations:
• 13 – 17 April | Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
• 07 – 11 July | Waikato
• 22 – 26 September | Waikato
• 01 – 05 December | Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

This is an amazing chance for students eager to make a difference! There is space for 1-3 rangatahi from Ngāti Tamaterā to enrol.

For more information and to apply, click here. Please email admin@tamatera.iwi.nz if you would like to apply.

The Pou Rāhui project began the year with wānanga, Dr Te Ahukaramu Charles Royal and his Pou Whenua team delved into our primary research question: "Can rāhui and kaitiakitanga be used as contemporary marine protection tools to assist connected recovery and management of degraded marine ecosystems for Aotearoa NZ?" 

Our kōrero expanded to include robust discussion on how rāhui and kaitiakitanga find an empowered place - a place of mana - within overall marine management going forward.

Tohu our taiohi team are currently pursuing include: Bachelor of Science (Marine), Diploma of Professional Scuba Instruction (Level 5), PADI Open Water Scuba Diver, and Day Skipper CBE Certificate. 

If you are on Facebook you may have seen our promotional videos posted on our page - facebook.com/ngatitamatera. Check out and share our facebook page for more stories with whānau, hapū, iwi - Mauri ora!

Being a member of the National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF) provides Ngāti Tamaterā with a collective voice and strategic influence on national issues affecting iwi Māori. Membership ensures direct engagement with government, policy makers, and key stakeholders. This enables Ngāti Tamaterā to advocate for Te Tiriti o Waitangi-based solutions in areas such as Te Taiao, Te Reo Māori, Hauora, and economic development. 

The Forum fosters collaboration and shared expertise, strengthening iwi-led responses to challenges, reducing duplication of efforts, and leveraging collective impact. Through NICF, Ngāti Tamaterā gains access to national networks, insights, and investment opportunities, enhancing our capacity to drive sustainable outcomes for our whānau, hapū, and future generations.

The National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF) hui at Waitangi focused on pressing issues affecting iwi, with discussions ranging from economic sovereignty, digital innovation, media funding, housing, and education to iwi-led policy influence and data sovereignty. 

Key themes included the need for greater self-determination, sustainable economic models, and stronger partnerships across iwi and with strategic allies.

Oranga Rangatahi 2025 – Empowering Our Future Leaders

Ngāti Tamaterā is excited to announce Oranga Rangatahi, an empowering initiative aimed at nurturing the potential of our rangatahi (youth) through a series of wānanga (workshops) in 2025. This program will provide young people with the opportunity to connect deeply with their heritage, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their cultural identity.

Throughout four wānanga, participants will explore key aspects of Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview), including tikanga Māori, kaupapa Māori, and te reo Māori. The program will cover four essential pillars: mātauranga (knowledge), taiao (environment), hauora (well-being), and te reo Māori (language). Each wānanga will be led by experienced mentors immersed in Te Ao Māori, offering a supportive environment for learning and growth.

Wānanga Details:

Wānanga 1:

• Date: 23-25 April 2025
• Location: Te Paea Marae
• Focus: Ngā Tikanga me ngā Kawa o te Marae (Marae customs and protocols)

Wānanga 2:

• Date: 3-5 July 2025
• Location: Te Pai o Hauraki Marae
• Focus: Taiao, Kaitiakitanga, Matariki, Ngā Taka o te Mārama (The environment, guardianship, Matariki, and the cycle of enlightenment)

Wānanga 3:

• Date: 25-27 September 2025
• Location: Te Puru School
• Focus: Ngā Atua, Tangaroa, Tāne Māhuta, Tāwhirimātea (The Māori gods, including Tangaroa, Tāne Māhuta, and Tāwhirimātea)

Wānanga 4:

• Date: November 2025
• Location: Tāmaki
• Focus: Tino Rangatiratanga, Mana Motuhake (Self-determination and sovereignty)

Each wānanga will be a chance for rangatahi (ages 13-21) to connect with their culture, engage in leadership development, and experience the power of whanaungatanga (relationships) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship). The program is designed to empower a new generation of leaders who are grounded in their heritage and prepared to navigate the challenges of the future.

Registration Information:

Spaces are limited to 50 participants per wānanga, so be sure to register early to secure your spot.

We encourage all whānau to support rangatahi in getting involved with Oranga Rangatahi and to register their interest for this exciting opportunity. Let’s build a strong, resilient, and culturally proud future for Ngāti Tamaterā!

Watch this space, and be ready to register e te whānau!

Elle Archer

Oranga Ōhanga Lead

Ngāti Tamaterā is proud to introduce Elle Archer as the Oranga Ōhanga Lead, driving our vision for economic development and sustainable growth. Elle brings a strong commitment to lifting the presence of Ngāti Tamaterā within economic opportunities, ensuring our iwi is positioned at the forefront of regional and national development. Her leadership will focus on strengthening business networks, unlocking investment pathways, and creating opportunities that empower our people, while upholding the values and aspirations of Ngāti Tamaterā. With a strategic approach to innovation, capability-building, and enterprise development, Elle will play a pivotal role in advancing Oranga Ōhanga to secure long-term prosperity for whānau, hapū, and our iwi.

Ngareta Skipper

Oranga Rangatahi Lead

Ngāti Tamaterā is proud to introduce Ngareta Skipper as the Oranga Rangatahi Lead, Ngareta brings the wisdom of her tūpuna and the strength of her whakapapa to guide our rangatahi toward their full potential. Grounded in tikanga Māori and the kaitiakitanga values unique to Hauraki, she weaves traditional knowledge with contemporary skills, creating a space where young people reconnect with their cultural identity while building the resilience and confidence needed to navigate today's world. Her journey from the shores of Tīkapakapa give her insight into the challenges our youth face, and the privilege to walk alongside rangatahi as they discover their own mana and purpose.

Tēnā koutou katoa e ngā uri whakaheke,

Nau mai haere mai ki te hōtaka o te reo pakiaka. Ka whakahaerengia tēnei kaupapa e Te Whare Tāhuhu Kōrero o Hauraki me Ngāti Tamaterā, he kaupapa mā te huitopa e titiro ana ki ngā āhuatanga o te reo Māori me ngā tikanga hoki.

This is a free course for descendants of Ngāti Tamaterā who want to improve their reo capability through an online course. This will be facilitated and taught by Te Whare Tāhuhu Kōrero o Hauraki in partnership with Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust.



Enrolments are now open for Term 2, places are limited. Please click on the link provided below.

https://forms.gle/8Zb4KeLY4DA3x2gHA

We look forward to supporting your te reo Māori journey!

We are proud to announce a partnership with Young Animators, Sir Peter Blake Trust w/ Ngāti Tamaterā Pou Rāhui team, and Te Papa Atawhai to bring innovative digital technology, environmental stewardship and future-of-work wānanga to ngā kura ki Hauraki, ki Tāmaki Makaurau.

These engaging workshops will be brought to schools in Hauraki and Tāmaki Makaurau mid-2025, introducing students to the world of tech, fostering creativity and building valuable skills for the careers of tomorrow.

This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering rangatahi with cutting-edge knowledge and practical experience, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This is a chance to inspire the next generation of innovators - Karawhiua!

Ngāti Tamaterā will be hosting the Inaugural Hauraki Māori Business Awards Event, happening on 17 October 2025 at the Silver Fern Farms Event Centre in Te Aroha.

This exciting event marks a major milestone as we celebrate the unique businesses of the Pare Hauraki rohe. We aim to celebrate excellence, innovation, and resilience within the Māori enterprise, providing a platform to showcase and elevate our businesses locally and nationally. This kaupapa not only recognises success but fosters growth, and interconnectedness of iwi businesses for future generations. 

This is an event that you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned on our website and Facebook page for more updates about how you can be part of this unforgettable occasion. Whether you’re interested in applying for the awards, coming to support, or rubbing shoulders with the VIPs, there’s something for everyone. Keep an eye on this space for all the latest news. 

Let the countdown begin! 

Kia ora whānau, we need your input!

We all know that emergencies and disasters can happen when we least expect them. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a power outage, or a medical emergency, being prepared can make all the difference. That’s why we’re reaching out to you—our whānau—to understand how resilient and prepared our families are when it comes to handling unexpected situations.

This short survey is designed to assess where we all stand in terms of emergency readiness. By sharing your experiences and insights, we can identify strengths, gaps, and areas where additional support or resources may be needed. Your input will help shape future initiatives to ensure that all our whānau have the tools and knowledge to stay safe and resilient.

We appreciate you taking the time to participate. Together, we can build a stronger, more prepared community. Ngā mihi nui!

E te whānau, our momentum is strong—let’s keep it going! After the powerful uplift from the Te Kotahitanga movement, the hīkoi, and the unprecedented submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill, the next step is clear: we must vote and submit on the issues that impact us locally, for our whānau and our mokopuna. Local Elections 2025 are coming, and councils are setting their Annual Plans and Budgets—this is where decisions are made about our whenua, taiao, housing, and funding for our marae and communities. Our voices shape the future. Submit, vote, and ensure our people are heard.  The submission link to have your say for the annual budget opens Friday 28th February at noon.