What is Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa?

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa is the governing body responsible for representing the interests of the Ngāti Awa iwi. It oversees the management of iwi assets, cultural preservation, and the implementation of initiatives that benefit the iwi.

Who can be a member of Ngāti Awa?

Membership is open to individuals who can whakapapa (trace descent) to one or more of the recognised Ngāti Awa hapū. Detailed membership criteria and processes are outlined in the Ngāti Awa Charter.

How can I register as a member of Ngāti Awa?

Membership is open to individuals who can whakapapa (trace descent) to one or more of the recognised Ngāti Awa hapū. Detailed membership criteria and processes are outlined in the Ngāti Awa Charter. You can register by visiting the Iwi Registration page on the Ngāti Awa website and following the instructions provided. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

What are the main functions of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa?

The main functions include managing iwi assets, protecting and promoting Ngāti Awa culture and identity, ensuring effective representation of iwi members, and facilitating the social, cultural, and economic development of the iwi.

How is the governance of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa organised?

The governance structure includes representatives from the 22 hapū of Ngāti Awa. A chairperson and deputy person are selected the group of representatives. This structure is designed to ensure that all hapū have a voice in the decision-making process. The board then employs Chief Executive to oversee the operations of the organisation.

How are decisions made within Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa?

Decisions are made by the board of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, which includes elected representatives from each hapū. The decision-making process is governed by the rules set out in the Charter, with an emphasis on consensus where possible.

What are the key responsibilities of Ngāti Awa members?

Members are encouraged to actively participate in iwi activities, contribute to the preservation and promotion of Ngāti Awa culture, and stay informed about the initiatives and decisions of the Rūnanga.

How are decisions made within Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa?

Decisions are made by the board of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, which includes elected representatives from each hapū. The decision-making process is governed by the rules set out in the Charter, with an emphasis on consensus where possible.

How can I participate in Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa activities?

Members can participate by attending meetings, voting in elections, joining committees, or engaging in community and cultural events organised by the Rūnanga.

How can I stay informed about Ngāti Awa news and updates?

You can subscribe to the e-Pānui, Te Hāpai Ō, which is designed to keep Ngāti Awa members connected and informed about important news and events. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE

What are the main goals of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa?

The primary goals are to protect Ngāti Awa's cultural heritage, promote the well-being of iwi members, manage and grow iwi assets, and ensure the sustainability and prosperity of future generations.

Where can I find more information about the Ngāti Awa Charter?

The full Charter is available on the Ngāti Awa website or can be obtained by contacting the Rūnanga office.

What is the significance of the Ngāti Awa Deed of Settlement?

The Deed of Settlement is a formal agreement between Ngāti Awa and the Crown, resolving historical grievances. It includes redress in the form of financial compensation, cultural recognition, and the return of land.

What opportunities are available for tertiary grants?

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa offers tertiary grants to support members pursuing higher education. Details on eligibility and application processes can be found in the Tertiary Grants section of the website. CLICK HERE FOR TERTIARY GRANTS

How do I find out more about my connections to Ngāti Awa?

To become a registered member of Ngāti Awa you must lodge your details with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa including your whakapapa. This information will be confirmed by our Whakapapa committee to complete your registration. During this process, we will work with you to confirm your ancestors’ connections to Ngāti Awa. If you want to begin this process, then please reach out to our Registration Officer by emailing: register@ngatiawa.iwi.nz or follow the prompts at: https://www.ngatiawa.iwi.nz/register

However, if you are just starting out on your journey and you have limited information about your whakapapa then please feel free to send an email to runanga@ngatiawa.iwi.nz and use the subject line: Whakapapa inquiry. We will then connect you with our Research Facilitator, who will be able to help you in a bespoke way.

How do I find out more information about Ngāti Awa for a research project?

Quite often we will get students who are undertaking a programme that requires them to research their iwi or hapū. Archives held at Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa can be extremely helpful in this purpose.

Our research and archives department holds an extensive record of our tribal history. Included are all the documents that inform the Ngāti Awa Deed of Settlement and much of this can be found on our online catalogue: https://ngatiawa-iwi.recollect.co.nz/

However, beyond this is a deep repository of tribal knowledge – including the maramataka journals and Māori Land Court minute books. The best way to get the true value from this taonga is to connect with our Research Facilitator by emailing runanga@ngatiawa.iwi.nz and use the subject line: Research inquiry. The Research Facilitator will help to guide you in best way for your purpose.

Also included in the archives is a collection of taonga and kōrero held by the Rūnanga on behalf of whānau, hapū and the iwi. If you would like to explore this option for your whānau then please reach out to our Research Assistant by email: runanga@ngatiawa.iwi.nz using the subject line: Collection inquiry.