Te Kāhui Kaumātua o Rongowhakaata 24/25 Annual Report
Te Kāhui Kaumātua o Rongowhakaata have had a full and fulfilling year, with a strong focus on deepening our collective understanding of Rongowhakaata identity and strengthening inter-generational connections.
Throughout the year, our kaumātua have continued to collate and safeguard whakapapa, maps, and histories for digitisation — preparing these precious taonga for future iwi access.
A highlight of the year was sharing deep insights into the connections between our mōteatea Taku Manu Kārearea and our whenua, during a hīkoi across Manutūkē where Kāhui Kaumātua reconnected with significant cultural sites and kōrero tuku iho. This journey included visits to historic pā within our rohe, where Dr Stanley Pardoe shared invaluable knowledge that deepened our collective understanding of place and history. Read more here
As part of our Matariki celebrations, the Kāhui participated in He Kura Te Tangata Taikura Kapa Haka 2025, held at Te Papa, Wellington. The event celebrated 19 years of kaumātua kapa haka and the enduring legacy of Māori performing arts. We enjoyed this kaupapa so much that we have continued our Taikura practices throughout the year, building both our group confidence and our growing repertoire of waiata. Watch the performance here
The opportunity to be in Te Papa and reconnect with Te Hau ki Tūranga inspired our Kāhui to hold a series of wānanga within the whare, where three of our iwi ringa toi shared artform narratives through their unique creative perspectives as uri of Rongowhakaata — expressed through whakairo, kōwhaiwhai, and rāranga. Our Kāhui also contributed their own insights, sharing research findings about tīpuna represented within the whare whakairo.
In the spirit of kotahitanga, Kāhui Kaumātua extended an invitation to all uri o Rongowhakaata — especially our taura here based in Pōneke — to join these wānanga sessions while in residence. These gatherings created meaningful spaces for whakawhanaungatanga and reaffirmed the deep connections that bind us all.
Our Kāhui have also worked closely with the Rongowhakaata Taiao team, developing stronger relationships and learning more about rongoā and the lived mātauranga that guides their kaitieki practices.
The year was filled with moments of laughter, learning, and reconnection. Through monthly hui, the Kāhui Kaumātua led wānanga and Kaumātua also supported and represented Rongowhakaata at a range of significant kaupapa including:
Supporting Kāhui Kaumātua o TROTAK
The elections process and establishment of a new board of Trustees
Closing of Cobham School
Unveiling of the poutokomanawa me te koruru o Te Ao Aotearoa ki te marae o Ngātapa.
Haerenga ki Ūawa Read more
Week long archiving wānnaga and photo restoration wānanga
The 2024 visit from the British high commissioner
Attending Kainga ora whare openings to reaffirm mana whenua o Rongowhakaata
Supporting Te Kura o Manutuke in their Art Display for GDC Art in the City project affirming mana whenua
Attending the swearing-in of Judge Sacha Nepe
ANZAC Day commemorations and the reopening of Manutūkē Marae
Supporting Manutuke kura annual Whakaari and manu korero
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.
Te Kāhui Kaumātua remain grateful for the continued support of Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust staff, and the ongoing fellowship of the Kaumātua Ukulele Group, which brings joy and connection.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Hineiromia Whaanga
Chair | Kāhui Kaumātua
Find out more about joining the kāhui kaumatua here
