Northern Wairoa representatives on the board of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua held their first takiwā communication huinga on Saturday 7th June, since taking office in October.

Trustees Rosie Te Tuhi-Nathan, Jerome Te Paa, Francis Toko and John Rahui initiated the engagement to improve communication, open dialogue and collaborative planning with their respective marae. Around 70 uri attended, gathering at Ahikiwi Marae in Kaihu, despite heavy rain.

"Whātua first." was the key messaging shared by Francis Toko who facilitated the kōrero, which focused on providing an update on the Boards first six months, its aspirational goals, inviting feedback on the draft strategic plan, and creating space for open kōrero.

A wide range of kaupapa were raised from the floor, including:

• Submissions on the Regulation Standards Bill

• Hapū growth: potential partnerships, strengthening relationships

• Local election enrolment drives

• The role and intent of poupou hui

• Uri registration process

• Rangatahi voice and aspirations

• Education resource development

• Environmental planning, including for marine impacts (Caulerpa and Dome Valley leachate)

• Delays in Māori Land Court processing

Feedback was also positive around the rūnanga initiatives such as the Kotahitanga unit, which has equipment & catering resources available for marae events, including tangi, and provides support for marae maintenance and development plan projects.

The new Trustees committed to strengthening relationships within their takiwā, and will seek further clarification on issues tabled while ensuring ongoing engagement.

Plans are already underway for the next takiwā communication huinga, tentatively set for Saturday 6th September (venue to be confirmed).

If you would like to be kept up to date with the Northern Wairoa Takiwā Communication Huingā, please email your contact details to: runanga@ngatiwhatua.iwi.nz