2025 Annual Report
Chairs Report
In February of this year, new Trustees met for the first time at Whakatō Marae. Since this time, the focus of the board has been the transition, growth, and consolidation of Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust (RIT).
I acknowledge the work of the outgoing board, and previous boards, and their commitment to growing the capability and functionality of the Trust, alongside strengthening our cultural connections, people, assets, and collective mana.
While we work together as a board we continue to prepare for the next chapter of Rongowhakaata leadership, with the enactment of our shared vision of Rangatiratanga: Kia tū Rangatira ai a Rongowhakaata.
Our Strategic Direction
RIT’s strategic vision is guided by our whānau, through wānanga we have collected their perspectives and combined them into He Tirohanga Whānui (long-term perspective).
As a board and working within this long-term perspective, we plan for the shorter term of 1, 5, and 10 years through our annual plan and Tirohanga Whāiti (focused planning). This approach ensures that while we hold to our long-term aspirations, we take deliberate, achievable steps to strengthen Rongowhakaata whānau and assets.
Strengthening Our Foundations
Key Operational Achievements
This year’s work has been a celebration of RIT’s progress, as we continue to deliver across the four Pou. We have shared these details with whānau throughout the year, they are also outlined in this report under each Pou - reflecting the priorities of last year’s Annual Plan.
Operational outcomes have been achieved through the dedication of our kaimahi, the leadership of the Board and the ongoing support and participation of our whānau.
Key pieces of work
As part of strengthening our governance and planning framework, scoping has begun for the next Trust Deed review, which is scheduled every five years to align with the three-year Trustee term. This kaupapa will continue to travel over the coming year.
Growth of our future leaders will also track alongside the deed review as we establish a Kāhui Rangatahi. This initiative will ensure our rangatahi have pathways to participate, contribute, and authentically lead within iwi spaces.
Looking Ahead
Our iwi journey is one of endurance and evolution — honouring our whakapapa while adapting to new horizons.
We will continue to uphold and advance Rongowhakaata rangatiratanga and invest in people, whenua, and systems that build resilience and self-determination, our progress is a direct reflection of our organisational growth.
While we continue to walk the path set by our ancestors, and are guided by their wisdom and vision, our progress is achieved only by the collective strength of our people.
Connie Maynard | Chair, Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust
2025/26 Annual Plan
Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust’s Group strategic vision is guided by intergenerational thinking, reflected in He Tirohanga Whānui (long-term perspective). At the same time, we also plan for the short term, with clear strategies for the next 1, 5, and 10 years through our annual plan and He Tirohanga Whāiti (focused planning).
Copies of the 2024/26 Annual Plan will be available at Hui-ā-Tau, via our Iwi Pānui, and print copies available from the Manutūkae post office.
Kaihautū Report (excerpt)
Over the past year, we’ve navigated change with resilience and intent, choosing a uniquely Rongowhakaata method — a living vision of practice, not aspiration. We create reflective spaces (rongo) to ensure that our collective delivery (whakaata) is powerful. These are principles of Wānanga, and we use them consciously. We remember Rongo Whakaata (child of Rangi and Papa) along with Rauru-Matua (spiral, an action of ruku-i-te-pō, and ruku-i-te-ao) are deities of wānanga. We assert that Rongowhakaata uri are born for this practice.
Wānanga connects the strategic values, or inner pillars of the house, to engagement at the marae ātea – the key point of action. Wānanga is therefore the actualisation of our vision: Kia tū rangatira ai ā Rongowhakaata - Rongowhakaata leads with vitality.
Our kaupapa is to move beyond deficit narratives and stand firmly in abundance, creativity, and rangatiratanga. As an iwi of artists, politicians, and grassroots leaders, we work better together through courage, respect, and unity of purpose.
While this report covers compliance achievements, our real progress lies in building corporate systems that reflect mātauranga — ensuring our work, progress, and remedies are visible and grounded in who we are as Rongowhakaata…
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Teina Moetara | Kaihautū
Te Kāhui Kaumātua o Rongowhakaata (excerpt)
Te Kāhui Kaumātua have had a full and fulfilling year, united in the purpose of deepening our collective understanding of Rongowhakaata identity and strengthening intergenerational connections. From collating whakapapa and historical maps for digitisation to wānanga that revitalised kōrero tuku iho, and attending events to reaffirm mana whenua, the Kāhui have continued to safeguard and grow iwi knowledge for future generations.
Highlights included a hīkoi across Manutūkē tracing the stories within our mōteatea Taku Manu Kārearea, and a journey to Te Papa, Wellington to participate in He Kura Te Tangata Taikura Kapa Haka 2025.
In fulfilling their role as kaitieki of Rongowhakaata mauri, Te Kāhui Kaumātua continue to uphold their responsibilities under the Trust Deed — providing guidance on matters of tikanga, reo, kawa, and kōrero, and supporting the resolution of matters in a manner that maintains balance, integrity, and collective wellbeing.
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Hineiromia Whaanga | Chair Kāhui Kaumātua
Turanga Group Holdings Limited (TGHL)
Tūranga Group Holdings Limited (TGHL), the commercial arm of Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust, manages and grows iwi-owned whenua and assets in line with both legal requirements and iwi values. In 2024–25, TGHL strengthened its people, processes, and systems while focusing on long-term goals, laying a strong foundation for future opportunities.
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The financial year ending 30 June 2025
Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust moves with manaakitanga and intention, with a focus on short-term initiatives that feed into our long-term growth, as part of He Tirohanga Whānui (long-term) investment strategy.
The focus is more than just financial - its a people-led strategy, with connection to whenua that encompasses the four Pou simultaneously; financial, environmental, cultural, and social. As an Iwi organisation we have identified that constrictions occur when we apply a Western investment lens; which is focused only on financial growth, our biggest asset is our People. Our perspective ensures a balance between commercial goals and investments that strengthen value for uri.
Printed copies of the Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2025 and audited Financial Report are available from the Manutūkē Post Office and on request by emailing communications@rongowhakaata.iwi.nz.
