Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Is Reviewing Its 25-year Vision mai KAHUNGUNU2026 ki KAHUNGUNU2050

Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 5:13 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated (NKII) is reviewing its 25-year vision from 2026-2050. The newly elected NKII Board members met for the first time on Friday 30 May, just in time for the roll out of the KAHUNGUNU2050 Strategic Vision Review.

Over the next two months, hui-a-tinana will be held in each of the six Taiwhenua/districts and at the two active Taurahere rohe in Kirikiriroa/Hamilton, and in Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington, to allow whānau to feed into the review. NKII Board Chairman Bayden Barber will lead the discussions with the key Board members and leaders of each rohe. The goal is for all Kahungunu voices to be heard.

“E te iwi, your input is crucial”. All korero will be collated into the feedback database!

How will we collect and collate your information?

We will hold hui-a-tinana; online zoom hui; online survey; email; and we are happy to be invited to additional / your hui if we cannot attend hui a tinana, we will zoom into your hui. Information will be updated on the iwi website. If you can’t attend a hui, give input via the survey or join us on our zoom hui, you are welcome to email your thoughts directly to the tari Kahungunu2050@kahungunu.iwi.nz. See the website for all information. If you cannot contact us via any of these portals, we will collect all forms of communication and collate it into the feedback. Phone our office if you need help to have your voice heard – Toll free 0800 524 864.

The first of these hui-a-tinana will start this week on Thursday 5 June at 5pm at the Wairoa Community Centre and will coincide with the launch of their Matariki events in Wairoa.

Former NKII Board member representing Wairoa, Nigel How, has been involved with the NKII Boards Review process during his two terms on the Board 2019-2025. NKII has learned a lot about our Wairoa whānau during these years.

“Wairoa is Wairoa, give us the resources and let us govern ourselves – otherwise get out of our way” – A clear and collective voice of Nigel How during Cyclone Gabrielle

Nigel was one of the only former Board members who supported his NKII Board member successor Esta Wainohu-Marcum bringing her to the Waipatu mahau on Friday during the pōhiri of the new NKII Board. Similar to Nigel and his upbringing, Esta has been raised and moulded for this position along with other positions she holds in the community. Even the Wairoa Mayor. Craig Little attended the pōhiri of the Board and spoke about Esta’s value in their community of Wairoa.

Other former NKII Board members to acknowledge for their work and contribution to the KAHUNGUNU2026 Strategic Vison, many who have now passed on are, Murray Hemopo, William Blake, Aotearoa (Digger) Karauria, Albert Walker (Jnr), Sophie Keefe, Rill Meihana, Albert Walker, Miriama Hammond, Alice Wairau, Naomi Wilson and of course Nigel How.

Vision Background

In September 2001, consultation with whānau throughout the rohe of Kahungunu occurred. Whānau shared their views, aspirations and desires which helped shape the development of a vision to guide Ngāti Kahungunu into the future. The vision, known as Kahungunu 2026, outlined the vision and mission statements and identified seven strategic objectives to focus on. The Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated planning framework continues to outline priorities, activities and desired outcomes that link directly to the strategic objectives within the Kahungunu 2026 vision.

Our Vision Statement is “Kahungunu - ki te whaiao, ki te ao marama” Achieving excellence in all areas of our lives

Our Mission Statement is “Kia maumahara ki te mana āhua ake o Ngāti Kahungunu”

Uphold the absolute uniqueness of the living breath of Kahungunu, to enhance the mana and wellbeing of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi”

It’s time to review our Strategic Vision mai KAHUNGUNU2026 ki KAHUNGUNU2050 to ensure we are still on track and heading in the right direction. We have diverted, seen a lot and learned a lot of changes in our environment. A Review is important to keep us all on track.

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