NGĀTI KAHUNGUNU IWI INCORPORATED - BOARD SUMMARY - 27 July 2026

 

Tēnā koutou katoa e te iwi,

The Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Board met to consider a wide range of strategic matters affecting the iwi, including local government reform, health, housing, environmental management, major events, communications and organisational development.

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Simplifying Local Government Reform

The Board held extensive discussions on the Government's proposed local government reforms. Members reaffirmed the importance of strong Ngāti Kahungunu representation at all decision-making tables and agreed that iwi, hapū, whānau and post-settlement governance entities must work together to achieve the best outcomes for Kahungunu. There was strong support for continuing to advocate for meaningful Māori representation and ensuring that Ngāti Kahungunu voices remain influential throughout the reform process.

Kahungunu Health Authority

Progress continues on the development of the proposed Kahungunu Health Authority. Several governance and working group hui have been held, with discussions focusing on governance models, participation and ensuring all parts of the Kahungunu rohe are included in future planning.

The Board emphasised the need for open communication with all Taiwhenua and communities across the rohe as the kaupapa develops. Mara Andrews has been commissioned to move 

Protecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The Board expressed significant concern over Government proposals to weaken or remove Treaty references from legislation.

Chairman Bayden Barber presented a petition calling for the protection of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and reaffirmed Ngāti Kahungunu's expectation that any constitutional or legislative changes affecting Te Tiriti must involve genuine engagement with Māori.

The Board supported the petition and agreed to continue advocating strongly for the protection of Treaty obligations.

Strategic Projects

Several strategic initiatives continue to progress, including:

• Renewable energy options for marae and surrounding communities through community solar initiatives.

• Continued exploration of affordable housing opportunities and innovative building technologies.

• Development of health initiatives aimed at reducing Type 2 diabetes through new research partnerships.

• Introduction of the BoardPro governance system to improve Board reporting, meeting management and governance processes.

Taiao and Environmental Advocacy

The Board received updates on several environmental priorities, including:

• Advocacy for UV wastewater treatment to improve water quality and protect customary fisheries.

• Ongoing work around freshwater management, river restoration and environmental legislation.

• Continued submissions on resource management reforms and conservation legislation.

• Support for temporary customary fishing closures where appropriate.

Members reiterated the importance of protecting the environment for future generations while ensuring Ngāti Kahungunu maintains a strong voice in environmental decision-making.

International Indigenous Engagement

The Chairman reported on attending the United States Indigenous Leaders Conference, highlighting valuable learnings around Indigenous governance, economic development, education and tribal self-determination. The visit provided useful insights into Indigenous economic models that may help inform future opportunities for Ngāti Kahungunu.

Matariki Celebrations

The Board congratulated staff, Taiwhenua, volunteers and partners for successfully delivering eleven major Matariki events across the Kahungunu rohe.

Despite difficult winter weather, every event proceeded successfully, attracting strong community participation and celebrating the launch of Toitū Kahungunu – 30 Years of Strength, Service and Mana Motuhake. The Board acknowledged the outstanding contribution of event organisers, volunteers and local communities whose support made each celebration possible. Click here to view an overview of Matariki events. 

Scholarships

The Board noted the successful distribution of 99 scholarships to Kahungunu tauira, supported through partnerships with the Māori Education Trust and tertiary institutions. Over $91,000 in scholarship funding was awarded this year to support Kahungunu students pursuing tertiary education. NKII contributed 61.500 while the Māori Education Trust contributed 12,300 and our partnership with universities - Victoria, Massey, Auckland University, Otago and Te Wananga o Raukawa, contributed a united 17,250. 

Membership and Communications

Ngāti Kahungunu's membership register continues to grow, with more than 42,600 registered members. The Board encouraged whānau to keep their contact details up to date to ensure they receive important communications, election information and annual reports.

Staff Update

The Board acknowledged the contribution of Receptionist Waiora Kirekia, who concluded three years of service before leaving to undertake a voluntary mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Board welcomed Stacey Tua to the organisation following a comprehensive recruitment process and wishes him every success in his new role.

Upcoming Events

The Board noted several significant events scheduled over the coming months, including:

• Inaugural National Pickleball event - 15-16 August 2026 

• Toitū Kahungunu 30 year Gala Event - Thurs 24 September 2026 Click here for more info

• Waiata Māori Music Awards     25 September 2026   

• National Māori Freshwater Fisheries Conference - 3-4 November 2026                                       

• Mokotini (inter Kohanga Reo Kapa event) 16 November 2026

• Kuratini (inter Primary School kapa event) 17-19 November 2026

• Tama Tūranga (inter high school kapa event) 20 November 2026

• NKII AGM at Splash Planet - 28 November 2026

• Hakanuia (hosted at Waimarama Marae) 5 December 2026

• Wiki Ha (Kura Kaupapa National event) 12-17 December 2026

• National Māori Basketball         25-30 January 2027

 

The Board also reminded whānau that 6 August is an important electoral milestone, being the final day for Māori already enrolled to change between the General Roll and the Māori Roll before the General Election.More info 

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