NGĀTI KAHUNGUNU IWI INCORPORATED - BOARD SUMMARY - 25 July 2025

 

Tēnā koutou katoa e te iwi,

This is a summary of notes taken at the Board meeting that was held on Friday 25 July 2025, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Office, 304 Fitzroy Avenue, Hastings.

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Chairman's Summary – Bayden Barber

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The Chairman opened his report by acknowledging the recent losses across the iwi and offering respects during the season of Matariki. A major focus over June and July was the series of Kahungunu 2050 consultation hui and Matariki celebrations across the rohe, which provided valuable kanohi ki te kanohi engagement with whānau. He also highlighted the deteriorating state of the national health system following the disestablishment of Te Aka Whaiora. In response, he is proposing the establishment of an Independent Ngāti Kahungunu Health Authority, with support sought from the Board to engage the wider health sector and community in this vision.

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The Chairman discussed critical kaupapa including the iwi’s position on freshwater legal claims, with options to support or join broader efforts such as the Ngāi Tahu case and legal actions initiated by FOMA and NZMC. He noted the submission to the Regulatory Standards Bill, involvement in the National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF), and preparations for local Māori wards referendum advocacy. The report also addressed operational governance matters, such as subcommittee appointments, board portfolios, and a constitutional interpretation around the Deputy Chair role. He recommended maintaining adherence to current constitutional processes, with leadership responsibilities delegated as needed.

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Looking ahead, the Chair will represent Ngāti Kahungunu at Te Aratini – World Expo 2025 in Osaka and at Koroneihana in September. He also shared a comprehensive schedule of engagements attended over the past two months—including numerous Matariki events, Kahungunu 2050 hui across all Taiwhenua and Taurahere, and various national forums. The report concluded with a recommendation that the Board formally receive the report and its proposals, particularly those relating to health autonomy and freshwater advocacy.

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Chief Executives Report Summary – Chrissie Hape

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The Chief Executive provided a comprehensive overview of key organisational activities and strategic developments. Highlights included Smart Services’ exceptional coordination of 11 successful Matariki celebrations across June and July, demonstrating commitment to kaupapa Māori engagement alongside core operational duties. The well-attended Fish Hook Summit, with participation from all Taiwhenua – see iwi website https://www.kahungunu.iwi.nz/fish-hook-2025.

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A key operational update is the nearing completion of the Ōtāne housing development, a significant achievement following the reassignment of 17 partially built homes from the K3 insolvency. The formal opening is now set for August, with invitations extended to Ministers Potaka and Bishop. NKII’s participation in the Regional Housing Collective is ongoing; however, a proposed project in CHB has been withdrawn following a Ministry of Housing Urban Development’s demand assessment. NKII is now exploring surplus Kāinga Ora land in urban centres for affordable housing opportunities.

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Nine Vision 2050 hui were held across Taiwhenua, Taurahere and online platforms, capturing whānau priorities over the next 25 years. Common themes included papakāinga housing, commerce and financial literacy, rangatahi leadership, iwi data sovereignty, and political advocacy.

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NKII’s partnership with AKE Group is progressing well, with the development of a dynamic data platform leveraging over 180 public datasets to support iwi decision-making and social return analysis. A wellbeing app and client management system are also in development to support whānau and strategic partners.

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Key national engagement includes attendance at the National Iwi Chairs Forum at Te Poho o Rawiri Marae, which focused on political advocacy, Crown engagement protocols, election enrolment, and internal NICF communications. The CE and Chair will also attend the Osaka 2025 Expo as part of the Te Aratini Indigenous leadership delegation.

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The Board is advised of the pending 2025 audit, with reporting scheduled for the September board hui. There are also open opportunities for Board members to consider filling portfolio roles, particularly in areas of HR, Te Taiao, and Reo/Mātauranga. Finally, several new staff appointments have been made to strengthen Te Ara Matua’s administrative and analytical capability. The Chief Executive will be on annual leave from 1 September to 13 October 2025 but will retain financial delegation during this period to ensure continuity.

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The Board Chair, Bayden Barber, opened the floor to expressions of interest to be a Director on the Kahungunu Asset Holding Company (KAHC) Board. Hayden Hape put himself forward and was supported immediately by his co-Board members. Hayden joins the independent Directors, co Chairs Ratahi Cross & Mike Devonshire, Alex Guilleaux, Ira Wilkinson, and Jono Bredin.

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Former Board member Nigel How has resigned from the Hawke’s Bay Cultural Trust and former Deputy Chair Thompson Hokianga takes his place.

The NKII Board are still discerning Portfolio holders to cover the Kaupapa of KAHUNGUNU2050. This will be determined at their next Board Retreat/Hui in September. In the meantime, the Chair encouraged NKII Board members to be bold in representing the iwi on iwi matters when in their hometowns.

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The Koroneihana is coming up 3-5 September. The Runanga Arts and Culture Board (RACB)are running practices every Tuesday. Information can be found on facebook. Kaumātua Cordry Huata mentioned that the RACB are organising buses to attend. More information will be sent out at a later date from the RACB.  

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The NKII Board endorsed the Iwi Toi Kahungunu Artist Collective to support their 25-year vision and aspirations to support Kahungunu artists to have more exposure. Matua Sandy Adsett proposed that the Hastings District Council Library Gallery be renamed 'Te Kahungunu' and dedicated to Iwi Toi Kahungunu Artists to host events that focus on Art appreciation, Education, and Tourism opportunities for Kahungunu. The NKII Board endorsed wholeheartedly. 

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