Ākuhata 2026
He mihi nō te Tiamana:
Tuatahi ake ka tangi ki ngā mate o wā, ko te hūpē ko ngā roimata hei whakamauru te mamae. Nā ka tahuri mai ki te hunga ora, e hāpai ake ana i ngā mahi ā kui, ā koro mā, ka mihi.
Hei ngā wiki e whai ake nei, ka tīmata ngā pōtitanga-ā-iwi. Kia kaha rā koutou ki te whakapiripiri mai ki ngā hui tarahitī ka tahi, ka rua, te whakatenatena i ngā whakaihuwaka ki te tū hei kaihāpai i ngā kaupapa-ā-iwi.
He mihi nō te Amokura
Firstly I acknowledge the recent many mate across the motu, moe mai rā koutou. Our thoughts are with all whānau pani in this challenging time.
It has indeed been frosty and challenging winter, with lots of māuiuitanga. Amid these circumstances, it has been encouraging to progress our strategic plan, Te Huanui Taurikura, to the next stage through implementation. Working to operationalise iwi aspirations in our everyday mahi has navigated much of our work to date.
We also want to give credit to the many Ngāti Pāoa applicants who have sent their tono for mahi in our recent vacancies- ka rawe hoki koutou.
Finally, a reminder e te whānau, General elections are approaching, enrol to vote here. The Electoral Commission has many employment opportunities- apply for roles here. Or, if you want to print some resources to share with your community- see resources here.
Kei raro iho nei ngā pitopito kōrero.
National Iwi Chairs Forum- Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust ki Tāhuna
Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust attended the National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF), held in Queenstown from 29–31 July 2026 which was hosted by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. A special mention to Rihipeti-Paerau Forbes, who presented on behalf of Ngāti Pāoa in the Rangatahi rōpū.
The Forum highlighted three dominant themes: economic self-determination, the rapidly changing legislative environment, and the need for collective iwi action. Economic self-determination was discussed in terms of building strong, direct-ownership balance sheets, diversifying investments (especially in renewable energy and tourism), and ensuring that commercial success is measured by positive outcomes for whānau rather than profit alone. Practical steps such as adopting marae solar energy, developing investment charters, and supporting hapū to build their own financial capability were emphasised. The importance of separating culturally significant taonga from commercial assets and learning from successful models like Ngāi Tahu's portfolio was also noted.
On the legislative front, there is significant concern about government reforms that threaten Treaty settlement protections and reduce iwi influence in environmental and planning decisions. The replacement of the RMA and related laws is seen as removing Māori from key decision-making processes, with a two-year window for renegotiation starting September 2026. The Forum called for iwi to collectivise regionally, increase electoral participation (especially among rangatahi), and prepare to advocate strongly for iwi interests. Data capability-building, monitoring the impacts of data centre developments, and using collective economic leverage were also discussed as ways to strengthen iwi positions. Overall, the report urges iwi members to stay informed, engaged, and united in the face of these challenges.
Update Pōkai Wāwāhi Ika (Otakawhe), Waiheke
Under the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025, Ngāti Pāoa are set to see the return of Pōkai Wāwāhi Ika or Otakawhe Bay in Waiheke. The whenua includes a historic pā site and is adjacent to a marine reserve which includes a building.
The return to Ngāti Pāoa has been delayed due to the significant disrepair of the building, which is awaiting refurbishment. Progress has been made, including the completion of the resource consent application, the drafting of architectural plans, and the appointment of lead contractors. This has resulted in the approval of the Resource Consent by Auckland Council in the past week, and we expect the Building Consent to be lodged within the next fortnight.
The current expectation is for contractors to begin work in early November with completion of the refurbishment at the end of March 2027.
Rangatahi Development Project
The team, Tyrone Anderson, Ngāhere Raharaha and Te Wehi Anderson continue to work with Advanced Aquarium Technologies and Commercial Dive Specialists to expand their knowledge and have direct access to the developers of the exotic Caulerpa eradication tools.
The team have also completed their Rescue Diver training and are now working on the Dive Master certification. At the same time, they continue their studies towards the Level 4 Marine Operators Certificate with the Manukau Institute of Technology in conjunction with Panapa Charters to complete their Commercial Skippers training.
Be a part of the journey learning te reo Māori with your Ngāti Pāoa iwi.
Enrolments for semester 2, 2026 are now open! Level 1 and 2 courses open for enrolment now.
Level 1: Te rerenga whakamīharo o te kuaka - the amazing flight of the kuaka
Start dates: 2nd September - 21st November (no classes during school holidays)
Classes will be held every Wednesday evening from 6.30-8.30pm.
Level 2: Te kuaka manawa piharau - the determined kuaka
Start dates; 1st September - 21st November (no classes during school holidays)
Classes will be held on a Tuesday evening from 6.30-8.30pm (subject to change depending on Kaiako availability).
Te Ara Rama Light Trail - Matariki 2026
Ki Tua o Matariki, the health and social service of Ngāti Pāoa, had the privilege of contributing to Te Ara Rama Light Trail for Matariki 2026. Taking place at Te Oro from 15-18th of July, the trail brought in thousands of people from across the wider Tāmaki area to light up Maybury Reserve in Glen Innes.
With our regular Tākaro ki Tua pop-up, Ki Tua o Matariki welcomed upwards of 700 people through its doors, with an endless stream of whānau coming through each evening. With moko stencils, a Māori-based play area, photo booth, a disco on Saturday night, and a range of creative and art activations, there was something for everyone to enjoy. It was a real hit with the hapori!
The Māori play space for tamariki further strengthened our role as a key social service and valued contributor to the East Auckland hapori. Ki Tua o Matariki takes great pride in creating a visible presence for Ngāti Pāoa and continuing to strengthen our footprint as mana whenua of the Glen Innes area.
Te Ara Poutama - Education and Employment Support with Ki Tua o Matariki
Not sure what you want to do next? Kia Tua o Matariki can help you get there!
Our next Te Ara Poutama programme is starting very soon, and we’re looking for rangatahi aged 16-24 to join us!
If you’re not currently in education, employment or training and want support to figure out your next steps, Te Ara Poutama can help you build your confidence, develop practical life and work skills, explore your options and work towards getting into employment, education or training.
You’ll receive around 15 hours of support each week, plus ongoing support after the programme to help you settle into your next step.
You don’t need to have it all figured out - we’ll work alongside you to help you get there. Complete our Expression of Interest form to find out more and get in touch with our team!
Upcoming events
Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust and Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust are partnering with Auckland Emergency Management to bring First Aid and Psychological First Aid training to our iwi.
Ki Tua o Matariki have launched their new website!
Tirohia te whārangi hou o Ki Tua o Matariki! Connect with Ki Tua o Matariki online and stay up to date with their mahi, events and opportunities e te whānau!
We are wanting to encourage more whānau, hapū and marae stories so please reach out to hinerangi@paoa.co.nz if you have a story you want shared.
