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Historic Te Moana-a-Toi aquaculture settlement celebrated at Hūria Marae

Historic Te Moana-a-Toi aquaculture settlement celebrated at Hūria Marae

The air at Hūria Marae in Tauranga was filled with significance today as Ngāti Ranginui hosted the 11 other iwi of Te Moana-a-Toi and Crown representatives to celebrate the formal signing of a long-awaited aquaculture settlement. The landmark agreement marks a historic chapter for the rohe, affirming rights and recognising an enduring relationship with the moana. Oceans and Fisheries Minister … Read More

Aussie-born student finds her voice and identity through kapa haka

Aussie-born student finds her voice and identity through kapa haka

For many rangatahi growing up across the ditch, the connection to Aotearoa can often feel distant. For 16-year-old Meremaraea Tairea-Katipa, who was born in Logan, Brisbane, the desire to embrace her Māori identity became an increasingly significant part of her life as she navigated high school. “Since year 7, the start of high school, I’ve been wanting to do kapa … Read More

Landmark 35-year energy deal secured for Pirirākau Marae

Landmark 35-year energy deal secured for Pirirākau Marae

In a move set to secure community resilience for a generation, the Pirirākau Tribal Authority has signed a historic relationship agreement with Contact Energy, locking in free electricity for four local marae for the next 35 years. The agreement, formally acknowledged in Tauranga today by Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge and Pirirākau Tribal Authority Chairman Jason Ake, represents far more … Read More

Motorised vehicles causing ‘costly repairs’ and ‘disrespectful’ damage to Western Bay reserves & cultural sites

Motorised vehicles causing ‘costly repairs’ and ‘disrespectful’ damage to Western Bay reserves & cultural sites

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council is issuing a firm reminder that motorised vehicles are strictly prohibited on public reserves, following a recent surge in damage caused by four-wheel drives and motorbikes. Over the past couple of weeks, the Council has received multiple reports of illegal driving activity across several key locations, including Bowentown Domain, Tuapiro Point Reserve, Wilson … 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

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

‘Economic apartheid’: Iwi leaders scathing attack on Govt amid Māori employment crisis

‘Economic apartheid’: Iwi leaders scathing attack on Govt amid Māori employment crisis

Na Raihania, spokesperson for the National Iwi Chairs Forum, has launched a blistering attack on the government’s Budget 2026, labelling its approach to Māori employment a form of “economic apartheid”. The scathing condemnation follows the release of Budget 2026, which the Iwi Chairs Forum and Te Rōpū Kaimahi Māori o Aotearoa say confirms the Government’s indifference to a Māori employment … Read More

Kua tīmata te whakahounga ara ki te tihi o Mauao

Kua tīmata te whakahounga ara ki te tihi o Mauao

Kua hui tahi ai te iwi, te kaunihera me te hapori ki te whakatapu i te tīmatanga o te whakahounga o te ara ki te tihi o Mauao. Nā tētehi karakia i te pūtake o Mauao i tohu te tīmatanga mana o tētehi kaupapa nui hei whakatika i te ara ki te tihi o te maunga, whai muri i ngā … Read More

Boynton back in Waiariki: Labour candidate vows lessons learned after crushing defeat

Boynton back in Waiariki: Labour candidate vows lessons learned after crushing defeat

After a crushing defeat in the 2023 election, Labour has confirmed Toni Boynton as its candidate to contest the Waiariki seat once more, with Boynton staking her campaign on a deeply personal plan for redemption. In the last race, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi secured the seat with over 15,000 votes, leaving Boynton with just 5,000. It was a … Read More

From pine to prosperity: Otama Marere Trust named finalist for prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy

From pine to prosperity: Otama Marere Trust named finalist for prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy

The Ahuwhenua Trophy continues to highlight excellence in Māori farming, with Otama Marere Trust named among this year’s finalists for 2026. Based in Paengaroa, the trust has transformed its whenua from former pine forestry into thriving kiwifruit orchards — a journey that reflects years of strategic planning, cultural grounding, and commitment to whānau.  Manager Homman Tapsell says the recognition is … Read More