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TOITŪ KAHUNGUNU!

30 YEARS OF STRENGTH, SERVICE

& MANA MOTUHAKE

Introduction

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi became incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 on the 19th of December 1988, as Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Kahungunu Incorporated. Six years later, the authority, although financially strong, experienced political challenges that its governing body was unable to overcome on its own. After a short period, the organisation was reborn on 9 December 1996 under the name Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated.

 

This year, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated is celebrating 30 years of existence. 

 

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated is the Mandated Iwi Organisation/Authority representing Ngāti Kahungunu and acts as the governing body for all iwi development.

 

​Ngāti Kahungunu is the third largest iwi in Aotearoa.  Geographically, the tribe has the second-longest coastline in the country from Paritū in the North to Turakirae in the South. Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated maintains an independent position to provide research, advice and advocate for the interests, rights, values, beliefs and practices of Ngāti Kahungunu alongside our whānau and hapū. Our mission is to enhance the mana and well-being of Ngāti Kahungunu.

 

From inception, a governing board has led Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated. Although the constitution has changed over the years, it has been made up of elected representatives from the six Kahungunu regions, including Te Wairoa, Te Whanganui A Orotu, Heretaunga, Tamatea, Tāmaki-nui-a Rua and Wairarapa. The Board includes Taura Here representatives, a kaumātua representative, and the chairperson. 

 

In the past 30years, we have had two elected Chairpersons who have led the Board: Ngahiwi Tomoana - 1996-2022 (26 years) and Bayden Barber (2022-current). 

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Celebrating 30 Years

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated proudly celebrates 30 years of leadership, growth, and commitment to our iwi, hapū, whānau, and hapori through honouring a legacy of resilience, advocacy, and mana motuhake that continues to shape the future of Ngāti Kahungunu. Guided by our commitment to uphold and advocate for the rights, values, beliefs, and aspirations of our people, we strive to enhance the mana and wellbeing of Ngāti Kahungunu for generations to come.

Commemoration Goals

  • We will acknowledge history and share the waves of Kahungunu, the highs and lows, and the journey of resilience, transformation, and triumph that has shaped our iwi over the past 30 years. Through the stories and photos of our people, our kaupapa, and our collective achievements, we honour those who carried the vision, upheld the mana of our iwi, and paved the way for future generations.

  • We will offer additional benefits to our members through a series of activities offered during Matariki, the Māori New Year. 

  • We will continue to celebrate Kahungunu's success and share this information with our iwi and the wider public through our iwi communication platforms. 

  • We will host a free Toitū Kahungunu Evening of excellence and acknowledgement at the Toitoi, Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre, based in Heretaunga, to further honour individuals whose dedication over the past three decades has helped shape the strength, resilience, and future of Ngāti Kahungunu. 

 

Commemoration Objectives

The 30 Year Celebration aims to:

  • Honour the journey and legacy of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated

  • Celebrate leadership, resilience, and service

  • Strengthen iwi identity and connection

  • Preserve and share stories of our people

  • Inspire future generations

  • Showcase significant milestones and achievements

  • Celebrate Kahungunutanga through culture, language, whakapapa, and community

 

The desired outcomes are that whānau feel:

  • Proud to be Kahungunu - shared pride

  • Connected to each other

  • Inspired by our legacy

  • Hopeful for the future

 

Our networks:

  • Our Ecosystem - anyone and everything connected to us

  • Our Stakeholders and Partners

  • Former and current Board members

  • Former and current Staff members

  • Former and current Taiwhenua and Taura Here leaders

  • Community leaders and supporters

  • Families of past leaders and contributors

We are celebrating our people, our resilience, our leadership, and our shared future.

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Together, we will celebrate:

Our history, Our identity, Our people, Our achievements, Our future

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Branding our 30 Year Celebrations 

TOITŪ KAHUNGUNU - 30 Years of Strength, Service and Mana Motuhake

The ‘Toitū Kahungunu’ name reflects the endurance, resilience, sustainability, and legacy of Ngāti Kahungunu over the past 30 years. It acknowledges the journey of the iwi through challenge, renewal, growth, and leadership, and honours our whānau, and the continued pursuit of the iwi mission to enhance the mana and wellbeing of Ngāti Kahungunu and what has shaped the organisation. Over the three decades, the organisation has evolved its focus from strengthening iwi development in its early years, to supporting and empowering hapū, and now continuing to enhance the wellbeing and aspirations of whānau across the rohe.

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The name also reflects a forward-looking vision as Ngāti Kahungunu continues to grow and flourish toward Kahungunu 2050 in strengthening our whānau, hapū, and iwi for future generations. The theme holds timeless mana, is dignified, and distinctly Ngāti Kahungunu, Toitū Kahungunu!. 

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As part of this milestone, we seek to acknowledge and honour individuals whose dedication over the past three decades has helped shape the strength, resilience, and future of Ngāti Kahungunu. These acknowledgements recognise those who have consistently served our people, upheld our values, strengthened our communities, and contributed to the advancement of our iwi across generations.

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We have called this event the Toitū Kahungunu Gala Event. This is a free event being held on Thursday, 24 September 2026. It will be held at Toitoi, Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre, in Heretaunga. 

Use this Email Banner from 1 June please - NKII 30 Year Celebration.jpg

TOITŪ KAHUNGUNU! – GALA EVENT

Thursday, 24 September 2026. Toitoi, Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre, in Heretaunga. 

 

NOMINATION PROCESS

Nominees may include kaumātua, leaders, volunteers, cultural practitioners, advocates, educators, organisers, and community champions whose service reflects the enduring principles of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, tikanga, and mana motuhake.

 

Eligibility

These acknowledgements are for living registered members of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated. 

 

To be eligible for acknowledgement, nominees should have demonstrated:

  • A sustained contribution of 30 years or more to Ngāti Kahungunu iwi, hapū, marae, whānau, or hapori.

  • Leadership, service, advocacy, cultural contribution, or community impact.

  • Alignment with the values and guiding principles of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated.

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Nominations may be submitted by:

  • Whānau

  • Hapū or marae representatives

  • Community members

  • Organisations or groups

  • Iwi members

Self-nominations will also be accepted where appropriate.

 

Selection Process

Once nominations are received, they will be reviewed and considered within one or more of the following acknowledgement categories:

 

1. Hinengaro – Mind

Recognising wisdom, knowledge, strategic leadership, governance, and the sharing of mātauranga.

 

This includes individuals who:

Demonstrate deep knowledge of iwi history, tikanga, kawa, and whakapapa.

  • Provide wise counsel and sound decision-making.

  • Contribute strategic thinking that supports iwi growth and stability.

  • Teach and share knowledge for future generations.

  • Offer guidance and clarity during times of challenge.

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2. Tinana – Body

Recognising physical contribution, active service, commitment, and practical support to the iwi and its kaupapa.

 

This includes individuals who:

  • Maintain a consistent physical presence and participation over many years.

  • Contribute through hands-on support, organisation, and service.

  • Demonstrate reliability, resilience, and dedication.

  • Support and protect marae, whenua, taonga, and iwi spaces.

  • Lead through action and commitment.

 

3. Wairua – Spirit

Recognising spiritual leadership, compassion, aroha, unity, and the uplifting of iwi wellbeing.

 

This includes individuals who:

  • Uphold and protect the mauri and spiritual wellbeing of the iwi.

  • Serve with humility, aroha, and manaakitanga.

  • Strengthen wairuatanga through karakia, waiata, and guidance.

  • Build unity, healing, and trust within communities.

  • Embody tika, pono, and aroha in service to others.

 

Assessment Criteria

  1. Nominees may be recognised across one or more of the following areas:

  2. Length and Continuity of Service

  3. Contribution to Whanaungatanga

  4. Upholding Tikanga and Kawa

  5. Leadership and Influence

  6. Service to the People (Manaakitanga)

  7. Contribution to Iwi Development

  8. Protecting and Advancing Te Reo me ōna Tikanga

  9. Role-Modelling Iwi Values

  10. Resilience and Commitment

  11. Legacy and Impact

What to do?

Read the Criteria and prepare all of your information before entering detail in the Nomination Form. 

Who is the Judge Panel?

The current NKII Board members and the Events staff make up the Panel

What is the timeframe?

5 Jun     Nominations open

5 Jul      Tickets go on sale

5 Aug    Nominations close

10 Aug  Recipients informed

Contact 

All inquiries please email panui@kahungunu.iwi.nz

© 2026 by Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated

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