Established under the Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua Act 1988, we proudly serve as the central representative body for ngā uri o Ngāti Whātua. Our kaupapa is to advocate for our iwi, champion social and cultural initiatives, and carefully manage the assets within our rohe to ensure a thriving future for our people.

Core principles guide the Rūnanga: kōtahitanga (unity), mātauranga ki ngā tikanga me ngā kawenata hei tangata whenua (cultural knowledge and responsibilities as tangata whenua), whanaketanga whaiaro me te whanaketanga ā-rōpū (personal and collective development), tautoko whānau (supporting whānau), and he whakahaeretanga pai (effective governance). The Rūnanga envisions a resilient, thriving iwi grounded in aroha.

The Rūnanga is guided by 11 elected kaitiaki from five takiwā, ensuring diverse iwi voices shape its decisions. With oversight of 33 marae, it strengthens connections to tūrangawaewae and collaborates with iwi, hapū, and government agencies to ensure the well-being of its people. Through its leadership, the Rūnanga safeguards Ngāti Whātua’s heritage, ensuring the iwi’s identity, aspirations, and well-being are preserved and nurtured for future generations.

Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua

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Renata Blair has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua. Photo: Supplied

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua appoints Renata Blair as new CEO

NGĀ KĀRERE | 5 HAKIHEA 2025

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Renata Blair as the new Chief Executive Officer of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua.

Renata (Te Uri o Hau, Ngāti Rango, Te Taoū, Te Uringutu, me Ngāoho) brings more than 20 years of governance, strategic, and executive leadership experience across both public and private sectors, serving hapū and wider Māori communities.

Since 2013, Renata has been a Director on the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Board, helping drive significant social, cultural, and economic initiatives for our people.

From 2016 to 2022, he also served on the Independent Māori Statutory Board, championing greater Māori participation in local government decision-making across Tāmaki Makaurau.

He now brings that experience home to his iwi and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua Board Chair, Tyrone Raumati, says Renata’s appointment strengthens the Rūnanga’s vision: “Renata’s experience will help us advance a pathway grounded in iwi aspirations, cultural strength, and building durable structures that serve Ngāti Whātua today and for generations to come.”

Tyrone says the appointment marks a significant moment: “The calibre of applicants was exceptional, especially those from within Ngāti Whātua. It’s powerful to see our own stepping forward to lead. I’m excited for the direction ahead and confident in the drive, energy and experience Renata will bring as we continue to move forward together as an iwi.”

Renata Blair's formal commencement will take place in the New Year with an iwi-wide pōwhiri.

Mai Maunganui ki Tāmaki hurinoa ōnā tōpito marked the 200-year Commemoration of Te-Ika-ā-Ranganui, an event of profound significance in our collective history, at a dawn ceremony held in Kaiwaka on 15 March 2025.

The commemoration was a time to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of our tūpuna, and an opportunity to honour both those who stood at the forefront, and those whose roles were woven into the periphery of this defining moment.

TE IKA A RANGANUI - FIND OUT MORE

WAYBY VALLEY LANDFILL

To ensure our wider whānau are well informed, this page brings together key information about the Wayby Valley Landfill — what has happened so far, where things currently stand, and what lies ahead.

WAYBY VALLEY - FIND OUT MORE
  • Manaakitanga

    To support the uri of Ngāti Whātua, the Rūnanga has focused on their health and wellbeing within the rohe. Our iwi health provider, Te Hā Oranga, continues to improve services for our communities.

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  • Kaitiakitanga

    To safeguard Ngāti Whātua land, air, and sea, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua upholds its obligation to care for the lands and waters to which they whakapapa, ensuring the resources vital to uri are protected.

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  • Mana Ngāti Whātua

    The Rūnanga enhances the mana of Ngāti Whātua through tino rangatiratanga and marae development, supporting cultural initiatives to uphold the iwi’s identity and heritage for future generations.

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Ngā Kārere: Latest News

The geographical scope of Ngāti Whātua stretches from Tāmaki to Maunganui in the west and Tāmaki to Manaia in the east, encompassing 33 marae associated with the Rūnanga.

This structure reflects a community of iwi and hapū who uphold their genealogical ties to Ngāti Whātua.

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