Unleashing the potential inherent in Ngāti Awa is central to our Chairman, Te Kei Merito’s aspirations for Ngāti Awa. Concentrating on developing the academic, professional and technical skills of ngā uri o ngā hapū o Ngāti Awa is of particular interest to Te Kei as is focussing on Ngāti Awa young people and developing their potential wherever they may reside. Te Kei notes that “Our young people are our future we must provide sound leadership now that motivates and endures into the future”. Te Kei recognises that Ngāti Awa is at a pivotal point in the iwi’s development, and acknowledges that with the settlement completed it is up to each of us to contribute to the future of Ngāti Awa. “We have achieved much over the past years, however there is still much to do – we need to continue to build on the legacy left by our tipuna, and past leaders. Vision Ngāti Awa is an important part of this process. This project collates all the different aspirations and visions of ngā uri o Ngāti Awa into one unified vision”. Te Kei has an inclusive approach to building a strong iwi and has encouraged Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa to hold the Rūnanga monthly meetings at various marae throughout Ngāti Awa. Taking the Rūnanga another step closer to the iwi is important to Te Kei and demonstrates the Rūnanga is committed to transparency and continued unity. “Working in unity and caring for our own people both young and old, especially those who are deprived of social, health, academic and material benefits is of concern to all of us”. Te Kei reflects on the importance of unity in this whakatauakii: “Ko te pae tawhiti kimihia kia mau, ko te pae tata whakamauā kia tinā” As you seek the distant horizon, hold fast to that which you treasure.
In 1980, a hui was held at Puawairua marae to discuss the establishment of a body that would represent all Ngāti Awa hapū in matters relating to the settlement of historical claims. Ngāti Awa Kaumātua unanimously agreed that that the first Trust Board, to be named Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, should be created. A charitable trust was established in 1991. The Rūnanga then achieved Maori Trust Board status in 1988. In 2005, legislation was passed settling Ngāti Awa's long standing Treaty of Waitangi claims and establishing a new governance body – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa is the mandated entity that manages the collective affairs of the members of Ngāti Awa in accordance with the Charter. Broadly speaking, the role of the Rūnanga is to work for and on behalf of Ngāti Awa members to:
The Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa Act 2005 and the Charter describes the structure of the Rūnanga and its various entities including: