Rāapa 11 Hiringānuku 2024 | Wednesday 11 September 2024

The political climate is marked by heightened debates over resource management, environmental stewardship, and the recognition of Māori rights within legislative frameworks. As iwi, we face both opportunities and challenges in this environment. The focus on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability has brought Māori perspectives to the forefront; particularly in areas such as land use, water rights, and conservation. Navigating the complex nature of political agendas requires strategic engagement and a unified approach.

To find solutions it is essential that we, as iwi, align our priorities with those of key stakeholders, including government agencies, local councils, and other communities. By focusing on shared outcomes, such as protecting our natural resources, advancing cultural heritage, and fostering economic resilience, we can create partnerships that benefit all parties. Collaboration and advocacy will be crucial in ensuring that our values and aspirations are reflected in policy decisions, ultimately leading to sustainable and equitable outcomes for our people.

As we transition from winter to the warmer months ahead, the Ngāti Tamaterā operations team has been exceptionally active in advocating for te taiao on behalf of our iwi. We have been deeply engaged in a range of submissions, hui with officials, and on-the-ground mahi to protect and enhance our natural environment. Our efforts extend beyond environmental advocacy; we've also been focused on empowering our rangatahi through digital technology and innovation activations and hosting Hauora hui in collaboration with strategic partners, building on the strong foundations laid by our strategies and frameworks.

This work would not be possible without the unwavering support of our back-office team, whose dedication and efficiency are critical to the ongoing development of our iwi. Their behind-the-scenes efforts ensure that we can continue to advance our priorities and uphold the mana of Ngāti Tamaterā in every initiative we undertake. For further information please contact admin@tamatera.iwi.nz.

The following information is in this pānui:

• Māori Wards
• Ohinemuri Contamination
• Collaborative Hauora Day
• Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga - Business Profile
• Pou Rāhui
• Matihiko Awards
• Te Pai o Hauraki Marae SGM
• Website Launch
• Beached Trawler at Fletchers Bay 
• Caulerpa Pānui
• E Pā Wars
• Supporting Storm Recovery
• Driver License Wānanga
• Wellbeing and Hauora Waka Ama Day
  

The Government is currently engaged in a critical referendum regarding Māori wards in local government. This referendum presents a pivotal opportunity to advance equity and ensure fair representation for Māori communities across the country.

Māori wards are a fundamental aspect of honoring the Treaty of Waitangi, by recognising the unique status and cultural identity of our people.

By establishing these wards, we affirm our commitment to partnership, protection, and participation as outlined in the Treaty.

The proposed legislation aims to restore the opportunity for a local referendum regarding the creation or continuation of Māori wards and Māori constituencies. This includes mandating a vote during the upcoming local body elections for any Māori wards and constituencies established without prior polling.

On Friday, 23 August 2024, an environmental incident occurred in the Ohinemuri River, resulting in significant contamination.

The sediment source came from a mine entrance associated with the Comstock Low-Level Drive, an exploratory mine started in 1896 – mining in this 701-meter-long drive stopped in the early 1900s. The full extent of the contamination is still being investigated, and the situation is being closely monitored.

Whānau are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions. For the latest updates and detailed information as it becomes available, please visit the Waikato Regional Council's official website at https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/.

Bringing Health Services to Our Rural Communities: A Collaborative Effort

We are proud to announce a powerful collaboration between Counties Manukau DHB, Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki, Te Tara o te Whai, and Ngāti Tamaterā. United in our mission to bring essential health services directly to our rural communities. Together, we are making it easier for whānau to access vital healthcare, including cervical screening, influenza vaccinations, immunisations, COVID vaccinations, and Whānau Ora support.

By bringing these services closer to home, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that every member of our community has the opportunity to engage with their health in a safe, supportive environment.

This partnership embodies our commitment to health equity and the well-being of our whānau, empowering them to lead healthier lives and thrive in their communities.

Ngā Pōito o te Kupenga, our iwi business database, has been a transformative tool in identifying and fostering progressive procurement opportunities for Ngāti Tamaterā whānau businesses. By connecting our people with a network of resources and partners, the database empowers whānau to engage in economic activities that are both sustainable and resilient. The impact of this initiative will be significant, enabling us to uplift our businesses by offering support in capacity building, financial literacy, and market access. This approach not only strengthens individual enterprises but also contributes to the overall economic well-being and self-sufficiency of our iwi, ensuring that our collective future is built on a foundation of shared success and prosperity.



Since the earliest migrations to Aotearoa, the rocky shores of Tīkapakapa have always been renowned for kūtai, tuangi and pipi. As a young boy in the late 80s, our whānau would drive their vehicles to the low tide mark at Te Mata Point, pulling kūtai from the rocks in ankle deep water. By the mid 90s, the incoming tide would splash around your thighs and the chance of staying dry was very unlikely, you made sure to bring a towel and warm jersey. During the early 2000s, the best patches were found in water up to your chest. The idea of "diving for mussels" went from funny to serious. Passivity became concern. Accidents happened. Decline was obvious.

In 1998, the Hauraki Māori Trust Board requested and were granted a two year Section 186A temporary closure for the coastline, extending from Ngarimu Bay to Wilson's Bay on the Thames Coast. The rāhui was extended in 2000, 2002 and 2004. In 2006, the renewal of Section 186A was denied on the basis that rāhui was not considered a permanent tool for the management of customary fisheries. During this period, surveys found kūtai recruitment was active but the numbers were low, sizes were small and they weren't growing to harvestable size. Monitoring undertaken by the Hauraki Māori Trust Board during the Section 186A closure ended by 2006. In 2020 the Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust applied for another temporary closure and have since re-applied every two years to help ensure the regeneration of our taonga species.

Present day, kaitiakitanga and the call to protect our natural habitat is at the forefront of political debate. Methods have improved and technology is beyond compare. Support comes from every tier of society. The time is now. Ngāti Awa and MUSA Environmental set the gold standard for mussel restoration with their 4 stage process within Ōhiwa Harbour. Here in Tīkapa, we are at the crucial final steps of Stage 1; assessing the size of the traditional kūtai beds identified from the Mātauranga Māori mapping wānanga, held November 2023. The GPS plots have been charted, the transect lines and search areas are set. Karakia for fine, clear days is essential.

Mauri ora!

“Living Icon recognises a lifetime achievement in service to Māori and the digital tech sector.”

Francis Davy, from Callaghan Innovation presented the Living Icon Award to Antony Royal CEO of Tū Ātea, who has dedicated over 30 years to advancing Māori in technology. Passionate about leveraging tech for economic and social benefits, he also holds key governance roles, including Chair of Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust and Board Member of Next Generation Critical Communications. Renowned for his contributions to 2degrees, UFB and RBI rollouts, rural broadband, and digital equity in education, Antony is a respected leader in the tech and telecommunications sectors. We are proud  to celebrate Antony Royal on this prestigious achievement.

Special General Meeting at Te Pai o Hauraki Marae – A Strong Turnout for Our Future

Sunday 11 August 2024, Te Pai o Hauraki Marae was filled with vibrant energy as whānau gathered for a significant Special General Meeting. The meeting was held to vote in new marae trustees, and saw an overwhelming turnout reflecting the deep commitment and support whānau have for the future of our marae. The packed marae was a testament to the collective determination of our people to ensure the marae continues to thrive as a cornerstone for our whānau, hapū and iwi.

The role of marae trustees is of immense importance in marae development. They are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the marae’s assets, guiding its operations, and ensuring that it remains a vibrant and welcoming place for all whānau members. Trustees play a critical role in maintaining the cultural, social, and spiritual well-being of the marae. Their leadership is essential in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

We are proud to announce the newly elected trustees who will take on this significant responsibility:

Charity Paul

Nancye Caldwell

Louis Dean

Ngakoma Williams

Arama Chase

Tiriarangi Bidois

Brendon Wilkinson

These dedicated trustees bring a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to their new roles. We are confident that they will lead Te Pai o Hauraki Marae with wisdom and integrity.

The Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust is committed to supporting the marae and our new trustees as they embark on this journey. We recognise the vital role that the marae plays in preserving our culture, fostering community connections, and providing a space for future generations to learn and grow. The Trust (NTTST) will be working closely with the marae trustees, ensuring the marae has the resources and support it needs to flourish.

This Special General Meeting marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Te Pai o Hauraki Marae. With strong leadership and the unwavering support of our whānau, we are confident that our marae will continue to be a place of manākitanga, cultural enrichment, and community pride for years to come.

Together, we are building a stronger future for Te Pai o Hauraki Marae and the future generations.

Ngā mihi nunui to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this important hui.

Ngāti Tamaterā Website Re-Launch September 2024

Our website is getting a fresh new look!

This update is more than just a visual refresh—it’s about creating a dynamic platform that will strengthen our communication and engagement with whānau and the wider community.

Our website will serve as a central hub for sharing important updates, celebrating our achievements, and keeping everyone connected with the latest developments in our Treaty settlement journey. By enhancing our online presence, we’re making it easier than ever for whānau to stay informed, participate in discussions, and access the resources that matter most.

This is your space, designed to reflect our collective aspirations and to ensure that our voices are heard, both within our iwi and across Aotearoa.

Stay tuned for the launch, and get ready to explore the new possibilities this website will bring.



The recent beaching of a fishing trawler at Fletcher Bay, raises significant concerns for Ngāti Tamaterā, particularly regarding the potential impact on our precious waterways and moana. Our connection to the sea is deeply rooted in our cultural identity and traditions, and any threat to the health of our marine environment is taken with utmost seriousness.

The trawler, which began taking on water and was beached for safety reasons, carries up to 2500 litres of marine diesel and 80 litres of hydraulic fluid on board. While Waikato Regional Council’s Marine Oil Spill Response team and salvors have reassured that mitigations are in place to prevent fuel spillage, the risk to our moana remains a grave concern. Any spill, even a small one, could have devastating effects on the delicate marine ecosystems that our iwi have relied upon for generations.

The potential for contamination from the trawler’s fuel and fluids threatens not only the biodiversity of our marine environment but also the cultural and spiritual connections we have with these waters. The moana is not merely a resource for us—it is a taonga, a treasured entity that sustains life and holds the stories of our ancestors.

We acknowledge the efforts being made to refloat and safely remove the trawler without causing environmental harm. However, we urge all involved parties, including Waikato Regional Council and Maritime New Zealand, to continue to prioritise the protection of our moana throughout the salvage operation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities our waterways face and the need for ongoing vigilance to safeguard our environment for future generations.



Ngāti Tamaterā remains committed to working alongside regional authorities to ensure that our moana is protected, and we will continue to advocate for the well-being of our marine environments, which are integral to our identity and way of life.

Ngāti Tamaterā has joined a collective effort to prepare a business case with other Pou Rāhui iwi and Regional and District Councils to investigate how to deal with invasive Caulerpa seaweed. Our mahi will bring together mātauranga and western science in a collective effort. Together we share concerns Caulerpa is establishing itself in our marine environment at a speed we are not prepared for. Failure to respond will have consequences for our moana and for our community that relies on it. We will keep you updated on this kaupapa as it develops.

Fighting Invasive Caulerpa

Four iwi of the Pou Rāhui Project, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Hei and Ngāti Tamaterā, are partnering with Northland Regional Council, Auckland Council, Waikato Regional Council and Thames-Coromandel District Council to deliver a business case to fight invasive Caulerpa. A business case provides a robust and trusted method for considering the key challenges presented by invasive Caulerpa, the options for dealing with it, and how best to address the threat it poses to our communities and businesses.

While we recognise the positive efforts of Biosecurity New Zealand to date and the Government funding that has been made available to accelerate the development of removal techniques, the iwi of the Pou Rāhui Project remain significantly concerned that the extent to which Caulerpa is establishing itself in our marine environment is outpacing our effort and ambition for a national response. Failure to develop a suitable response will have significant implications for the quality of our coastal waters across the North Island, impacting the cultural, commercial, and recreational activities undertaken in those marine environments.

A Pou Whakarae (Governance Group) chaired by Herearoha Skipper (Ngāti Paoa) has agreed a Terms of Reference for the Indicative Business Case, which will be prepared by independent consultants from MartinJenkins. The business case will analyse a range of options that support greater management of Caulerpa, including whether and how a feasible pathway towards eradication of the marine pest could be achieved over time. A panel of Mātauranga/Science advisors has been appointed to support the Pou Whakarae and ensure the business case is informed by accurate and up to date knowledge from mātauranga and western science.

We are aiming to develop the business case by late November and will keep you updated as this kaupapa progresses.

The recent E Pā Wars event was a huge success, drawing over 150 eager students from local schools, and supportive whānau in Hauraki to Thames on Friday August 23 - Saturday August 24 2024. This year the event reached new heights with the exciting addition of Wētā Workshop UNLEASHED. This gave our rural rangatahi an inspiring glimpse into the world of film innovation and technology, while showcasing potential pathways for future careers. Attendees were immersed in cutting-edge experiences, from exploring the breathtaking Hauraki Gulf through virtual reality headsets provided by the Blake Trust, to engaging in a thrilling gaming activation by Ko Maui Hangarau that brought digital tech to life.

In partnership with Te Tara o Te Whai, Te Matihiko Hāpori, Te Matarau (Māori Tech Association Aotearoa), Ko Maui Hangarau, and the Sir Peter Blake Trust, ePā Wars has quickly become a cornerstone event for the Hauraki region, making digital technology and innovation accessible to our tamariki and rangatahi. This event not only ignites excitement about the future of technology but also empowers our youth by providing them with hands-on learning opportunities that could shape their futures in the digital age.

As we look forward to continuing this annual tradition, we invite all schools and whānau to join us in nurturing the potential of our rangatahi, ensuring they have the tools and inspiration to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. If you’re ready to embark on this exhilarating journey of discovery and innovation, be sure to secure your spot for next year’s event. Together, let’s unlock the future for Hauraki’s rangatahi!

Standing strong, together - Storm Recovery

Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust has partnered with the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office as an official provider of the Storm Recovery Navigation Service. Navigators help storm-impacted whānau get back on their feet with much-needed practical support and advice. As Storm Recovery Navigators with the Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust, Te Wai Unasa and Tui Barbarich-Tawera have been helping whānau across Auckland recover from 2023 storms. Tui says organisations like the Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust bring a special ability to connect with Māori who are more open to engaging with them.

“The way we connect with people is different. We do it in a way that’s mana-enhancing, where there is a good vibe and no judgement. Māori values are also highly transferable, so we’ve actually been able to work with a range of different cultures,” says Tui.

The team is walking alongside storm-affected whānau in a variety of situations helping with both their immediate needs and longer-term recovery planning. Many whānau they work with have had to relocate to other areas, and some still have uncertainty about the future of their home.

“As iwi, we’re not service providers, we’re connectors. We see our role as being a bridge between institutions: knowing how the system works, who we need to talk to and when we need to advocate for people,” Te Wai says.

“When affected whānau finally come to us, they have reached their limits dealing with everything that needs to be sorted. So, they’re extremely grateful for our guidance, and that we can make life easier and remove barriers.

“I’ll never forget how tough Christmas was for many whānau – it was one of the worst Christmases they had. But we were able to help them in meaningful ways to start the new year in a much better position.”

“There is a very relevant tongikura from Kīngi Tāwhiao about strength in unity: Ki te kotahi te kākaho ka whati ki te kāpuia e kore e whati - when we stand alone we are vulnerable, but together we are unbreakable.”

Contact a Navigator

If you, a friend, or a neighbour were affected by last year’s storms in Tāmaki, and might benefit from Storm Recovery Navigator support, we would like to hear from you.

You can contact the wider Storm Recovery Navigator team by filling out the online referral form, emailing navigators@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, or phoning 09 884 2070.

You can also contact the Ngāti Tamaterā Settlement Trust team directly:

• Recovery Navigator Te Wai Unasa: tewai.srn@gmail.com 
• Recovery Navigator Waimarie Barbarich-Tawera: waimarie.srn@gmail.com 
• Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust: admin@tamatera.iwi.nz.

Exciting news! We’re hosting a weekend wānanga in South Auckland on November 30th and December 1st 2024, dedicated to helping you achieve your Driver’s Licence—whether you’re aiming for your learners, restricted, or full. With the support of Auckland Transport, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

This is a fantastic opportunity for Ngāti Tamaterā whānau to come together, support one another, and gain the skills needed for greater independence and opportunities. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!

To register, click the button below.

We look forward to seeing you there!

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Mental Health, Wellness, and Waka Ama Day on Saturday, 19th October 2024, at the Old Marist Rugby Club in Panmure! This is your chance to connect with whānau, embrace our cultural traditions, and experience a day filled with activities designed to uplift your body, mind, and spirit.

Come and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Waka Ama as we take to the water, offering everyone the opportunity to paddle and experience the strength and unity that this traditional sport embodies. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or new to Waka Ama, this is the perfect chance to "have a go" and feel the power of the waka.

But that’s not all! We’ve lined up a day full of activities to keep you moving and rejuvenated. Jump on a bike and enjoy a ride around the grounds, or treat yourself to the healing arts of mirimiri and romiromi, where our skilled practitioners will be offering traditional Māori massage therapies to help you relax and restore balance.

This event is about more than just fitness and fun—it's about coming together as a community to celebrate our health and well-being in a supportive, culturally rich environment. So, gather your whānau and join us for a day of connection, culture, and wellness. Haircuts and beauty stalls will be available also.

Spaces are limited, so be sure to register your interest early to secure your spot! Let’s paddle, ride, relax, and rejuvenate together on the 19th of October. We look forward to seeing you there! Nau mai haere mai whānau - kaumātua, pakeke, rangatahi, taiohi, tamariki!

To express your interest, receive a hangi and reserve your place, please register by clicking the button below.