30 Years of NKII – Looking Ahead to Kahungunu 2050
This year, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated marks 30 years since the organisation was established in its current form on 9 December 1996.
Thirty years is an important milestone — an opportunity to reflect on where we have come from, acknowledge the many people who have contributed along the way, and most importantly, look ahead to where we want Ngāti Kahungunu to be in the future.
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated is the Mandated Iwi Organisation and iwi authority representing Ngāti Kahungunu. Over the past three decades, the organisation has worked across many areas affecting our people, including iwi representation, whānau wellbeing, education, culture, economic development, te taiao, advocacy and relationships with government and other agencies.
Across those 30 years there have been changes, challenges, successes and lessons. Governments have changed, communities have changed, and the needs and aspirations of our whānau have continued to evolve.
But our responsibility has remained constant — to represent Ngāti Kahungunu and support the aspirations of our people.
The strength of NKII has never rested with one Board, one Chief Executive or one generation of staff. It has been built over time by the many people who have contributed through governance, leadership, mahi, advocacy, tikanga, administration, manaakitanga and service.
On Thursday 24 September 2026, our iwi came together at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre for Toitū Kahungunu – 30 Years of Strength, Service and Mana Motuhake.
The evening provided an opportunity to celebrate our 30-year journey and, importantly, to acknowledge 30 recipients nominated for their many years of service and contribution to Ngāti Kahungunu.
These recipients represented many different areas of iwi life — kaumātua, leaders, cultural practitioners, educators, advocates, volunteers and community champions who have given their time, knowledge and energy to strengthening our iwi, hapū, marae and whānau.
Their acknowledgement was also symbolic of the many hundreds of people who have contributed to Ngāti Kahungunu over the past three decades. Our 30-year story belongs to all those who have served, supported, challenged and strengthened our iwi along the way.
While Toitū Kahungunu celebrated the journey behind us, this milestone is also about looking forward.
Through KAHUNGUNU2050, our focus now turns to the next generation and the future we want to create together. The aspirations shared by whānau across our rohe will help guide our priorities and direction for the years ahead.
Thirty years has brought us to this point.
The next chapter is about where we go from here — together, as Ngāti Kahungunu.
Toitū te mana. Toitū te whenua. Toitū Kahungunu.
