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Indigenous leaders forge historic trade partnership

Indigenous leaders forge historic trade partnership

A landmark agreement signed today at the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA) Economic Forum 2026 marks a significant step toward deeper economic and cultural ties between two major indigenous nations.  FOMA and the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a formal framework for trade, knowledge exchange, and cooperative economic … Read More

Waikato Waters starts operational phase, ushering in new era for regional water services

Waikato Waters starts operational phase, ushering in new era for regional water services

Waikato Waters has officially celebrated its transition from establishment to operations, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of water and wastewater services across the Waikato region. The shift, celebrated at the Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant, signals the beginning of a collaborative approach to water infrastructure under the Government’s “Local Water Done Well” programme. A Unified Approach to Regional Infrastructure … Read More

Safeguarding Sovereignty – Te Pā Tūwatawata launched

Safeguarding Sovereignty – Te Pā Tūwatawata launched

Te Kāhui Raraunga has officially launched Te Pā Tūwatawata, a ground-breaking, Māori-owned digital data network designed to secure data sovereignty for whānau, hapū, and iwi.  In an era dominated by rapid digital transformation and artificial intelligence, this initiative aims to keep indigenous data within the control of its people, treating information as a protected asset rather than just a commodity. … Read More

150 and Counting: Magic co-captain Erena Mikaere hits major milestone

150 and Counting: Magic co-captain Erena Mikaere hits major milestone

Co-Captain of Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, Erena Mikaere will reach the 150th milestone today when the Magic play against Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse at Claudelands Arena in Kirikiriroa.  “150 games and completing that at the Magics is unreal for me. I started my career at the Magic as a young teenager, as a training partner and then … Read More

Tauranga City Council votes yes to Māori Ward referendum

Tauranga City Council votes yes to Māori Ward referendum

Tauranga City Council has voted to retain the Te Awanui Māori ward seat, a decisive move that triggers a binding public referendum on its future.  The vote saw strong support for the retention, with eight councillors voting in favour, one against, and one abstaining. This decision mandates a public poll must be held by March 28, 2027.  Mayor Mahé Drysdale … Read More

Tārewa Pounamu eruption: Disaster scare as bore contained

Tārewa Pounamu eruption: Disaster scare as bore contained

A grouted, private geothermal bore at Tarewa Pounamu Marae on Tarewa Road in Rotorua failed, erupting water, steam, mud, and concrete high into the air, creating a geyser effect. The eruption, which began Tuesday night, prompted a member of the public to alert the Rotorua Lakes Council around 4:30 pm. The site was immediately fenced off. A specialist on site … Read More

Mātai Pacific in the running for coveted Ahuwhenua Trophy as winner is announced this Friday

Mātai Pacific in the running for coveted Ahuwhenua Trophy as winner is announced this Friday

One of the three trusts vying for Māori horticulture’s highest honour is the Bay of Plenty-based Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective, with the overall winner set to be announced this Friday, June 5th, at the awards dinner in Whangārei. Mātai Pacific is a powerful Māori-owned kiwifruit enterprise and a Bay of Plenty success story, currently valued at more than $130 million.  … Read More

Tarawera is ‘our backbone’: Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao prepare to mark 140 years since Tarawera eruption

Tarawera is ‘our backbone’: Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao prepare to mark 140 years since Tarawera eruption

Preparations for the 140-year anniversary of the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption are underway as manawhenua Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao gather at Wāhiao whare tupuna to unite, share kōrero, and preserve their traditional narratives. The iwi will hold a special commemoration ceremony at the Pou of Ohomairangi in Te Wairoa next Wednesday (June 10, 2026) to mark the historic occasion.  Whariki Gardiner … Read More