Group Strategic & Annual Plan 2025/26
Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust’s Group strategic vision is guided by intergenerational thinking, reflected in our 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 Tirohanga Whāiti (focused planning). This approach ensures that while we honour our long-term aspirations, we also take deliberate, achievable steps today to strengthen Rongowhakaata whānau and assets.
Focus of the Year Ahead
This Group Annual Plan sets out what work programmes the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust Group will focus on from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. This focus has been informed through extensive uri engagement and taki-wānanga over several years.
In 2025 the Board approved focus efforts on three key areas:
1. Growing our commercial and asset base
2. Te Hau ki Tūranga
3. Building strong partnerships and co-investment opportunities
Te Hau ki Tūranga is at the heart of all we do. It carries who we are as Rongowhakaata and the knowledge that guides us. It will shape how we grow our commercial opportunities and build partnerships that reflect our values.
We’ve also simplified our work plan — from 12 outcomes to 8 — all linked to Te Hau ki Tūranga. This shows our confidence, focus, and commitment to creating lasting value for our people.
How we will deliver
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Over the years, we’ve grown a strong and skilled team — experts with knowledge, lived experience, and passion to protect, grow, and share our Rongowhakaata identity and practices.
With around 22 full-time kaimahi, we’re similar in size to other medium iwi organisations.
Our mahi sits across three main areas:
1. Rongo – strengthens our uri and their connection to Rongowhakaata identity and leadership.
2. Whakaata – builds a strong and sustainable Rongowhakaata economy.
3. Wharekai – supports our people, systems, and processes to keep the organisation strong and connected.
Within these teams specialist kaimahi lead:
• Mātauranga and cultural revitalisation
• Taiao and environmental services
• Commercial development
• Uri engagement and communications
• Policy, strategy, and governance support
Together, we are shaping a thriving future for Rongowhakaata.
The Foundations of Our Work
Our mahi is guided by four key Pou that shape how we plan, prioritise, and measure progress — from the mahi we do today through to the generations ahead.
How we measure progress
We track our progress through regular reviews and reporting:
• Quarterly – Board reporting
• Every 12 months – Annual Plan and Annual Report
• Every 5 years – Statement of Intent
• Every 10 years – Investment Strategy
• Every 25 years and beyond – He Tirohanga Whāiti (100 years) and He Tirohanga Whānui (25 years) Strategic Plan.
Our uri are the kaitieki of this journey — the thread connecting past, present, and future. They define what success looks like for Rongowhakaata and help guide our path forward.
Strategic Plan - Tirohanga Whānui & Whāiti
He roa ā raro – The work in front of us, is long
Our long-term plan is about keeping Rongowhakaata strong and thriving for generations. To know we’re on track, we have set clear goals and markers we can measure — ones that show the effort, resources, and outcomes behind our growth.
When creating this plan, we sat with our uri through taki- wānanga and asked:
• What priorities and projects do you want to see us focusing on in the next year?
• How will these grow and strengthen over the next 2 to 10 years?
• What does vitality — a thriving Rongowhakaata — look like in 100 years’ time?
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