Kahungunu Goes To The World Indigenous Peoples Week At Expo 2025, Osaka

Over the next two days, a delegation of around 80 iwi representatives from around the country and interested Kahungunu whānau members are heading over to Japan to participate in the ‘World Indigenous Peoples Week’ of the World Expo Osaka, 2025. Te Aratini is the name of the Aotearoa part of this kaupapa. Among the Aotearoa ambassadors will be Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated (NKII) representatives Bayden Barber (Chair), Chrissie Hape (Chief Executive), and Danielle Keil (Special Events coordinator).

Te Aratini was initiated in 2021 as the first ever Festival of Indigenous and Tribal Ideas at a World Expo. It was co-hosted by the Iwi Chairs Forum and the New Zealand government at Expo 2020 Dubai. Te Aratini brings together Indigenous and Tribal peoples from around the world to share their knowledge, cultures, and experiences, with the aim of fostering new connections, partnerships, and relationships. The name "Te Aratini" translated means "the multitude of pathways" reflecting the idea of converging pathways and the enduring connections between Indigenous peoples.

Hosted at the Australia Pavilion, the programme titled “Respecting the Past to Design the Future” features prominent voices including Australia’s first Ambassador for First Nations Peoples, Canada’s High Commissioner to NewZealand, and Ngahiwi Tomoana, Aotearoa’s Kaihautū of Te Aratini.

“Indigenous Trade and relationship building will be a key focus for the trip” – Says Barber,

“Of particular interest to Ngāti Kahungunu will be renewable energy, technology trends such as AI, food production and fishing. Nissui Corporation are a 50% shareholder in Sealords with Ngāti Kahungunu owning the other 50%, so we will be looking at enhancing that relationship as they have a base in Osaka”.

“Kahurangi Performing Arts will be leading the cultural performances for the Aotearoa delegation with former NKII Chair Ngahiwi Tomoana playing a key role in organising and leading the delegation so there will be a strong Kahungunu presence”.

The week-long platform will include targeted roundtable discussions, high-impact panels and a programme that will explore how Indigenous worldviews contribute to solutions for global challenges—embedding culture in commerce, conservation, health, and social equity. It brings together Māori innovators, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists to engage in dialogue, trade opportunities, and forge long-term partnerships.

Together, the roundtables and panels offer a compelling arc. The roundtables provide space for Indigenous leaders to shape practical strategies in finance, infrastructure, trade, and future Te Aratini leadership. At the same time, the panels elevate the broader narrative by positioning Indigenous Peoples as agents of strategic transformation.

Ngahiwi Tomoana serves as the esteemed Kaihautū (leader/director) of Te Aratini and is a globally respected advocate for Māori economic development and Indigenous engagement. He previously chaired the National Iwi Chairs Forum’s trade and economic development arm and held leadership of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated for 26 years.

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