“Ko te moana kei te whiu, kei te eke - ko Taihuringa tērā”
In 2023, our project management office took on a new name to consolidate its approach. In reference to the changing of tides, the role of Taihuringa is to usher in change.
Therefore, while the core role of our project management office department has remained the same, the new moniker further imbeds the Ko Ngāti Awa Te Toki vision and hones the focus to achieve its objectives.
Nā reira, Taihuringa is responsible for managing many of the externally funded projects with the goal to uplift the capabilities of ngā uri o Ngāti Awa and our hapori. Our approach consists of providing sustainable training and employment opportunities, and supporting the Ngāti Awa economy. Our primary aim is to invest in our people, recognizing them as our greatest resource.
Taihuringa has a proven track record of delivering on these objectives through completed and ongoing projects. You can learn more by watching the short video below.
Nā reira, if you want to know more about an individual project then click on the links below, otherwise you can reach out to our team by emailing us.
Otherwise, if you are looking to sign up for one of our courses or other opportunities then click the button below and get a copy of our expressions of interest form.
Te Ara Mahi
Designed to create sustainable training-to-employment opportunities and pathways for Ngāti Awa uri and local whānau, Te Ara Mahi was created after Taihuringa received funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. The goal was to create a programme with a focus on providing marine training and workforce development. The project was completed in 2025, but click the button below and find out about the success stories we helped our whānau achieve.
Mahi Whakamana
The initiative embeds Ngāti Awatanga into vocational pathways for more than 30 students from Trident, Whakatāne and Tarawera highs schools. Enrolled in trade-training at their schools, the students benefit from the addition of the cultural dimension.
This includes 3 wānanga across the year to deepen to their appreciation of Ngāti Awa as tangata whenua and enhance their understanding of cultural narratives, values and the benefits of having working relationships with the iwi and its hapū.
Workplace Literacy and Numeracy
By focusing on the specific needs of ngā uri o Ngāti Awa, we aim to provide educational and career-building opportunities that resonate deeply within our iwi, hapū and mara communities. Through ongoing dialogue, we’re ensuring that any gaps in literacy, numeracy and digital skills are addressed with programs that are practical, culturally relevant and impactful.
Te Ara Wai Whakahau
Te Ara Wai Whakahau project received funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) - Provincial Growth Fund to achieve both environmental and social outcomes. It launched in 2020, and the aim was to improve the waterways on the three farms managed by Ngāti Awa Group Holdings – Tumurau, Ngakauroa and the Ngāti Awa station. It also sought to provide economic growth and potential through redeployment and training opportunities in the wider Whakatāne rohe.
Marae Cluster Project
The Marae Cluster Project was funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Provincial Growth Fund as part of an initiative to lift productivity potential in the provinces of Aotearoa.
It helped to create 47 jobs, including 43 full-time positions and four part time roles, and engaged 25 local contractors. Additionally, it also contributed to Māori development through the preservation of marae in the Ngāti Awa rohe.
