As an organisation committed to Māori Development, it is important and meaningful for us to work with Hapū and Iwi, uplifting and supporting Ngāi Māori in ways that align with our mahi and values. We have had the privilege of working with Te Iwi o Te Roroa to support their aspirations in developing a strategic plan and providing their Board with governance training.  

With over 3,000 iwi members and a landscape spanning from the South of Dargaville to the Hokianga, their whenua centres on the beautiful Waipoua Forest. Te Iwi o Te Roroa are deeply rooted in their whakapapa and whenua, dedicated to creating better opportunities for their whānau. Guided by a dual focus on social responsibility and economic sustainability, Te Roroa aims to achieve self-sustainment and growth, ensuring alignment with their core values, kaitiaki responsibilities and assets.  

Te Iwi o Te Roroa sought our support in two key areas

  1. Strategic Planning – Developing an Iwi-level strategic plan to guide the priorities of Te Roroa over the next five years
  2. Governance Training & Review – Undertaking governance training and a review to strengthen the decision-making processes of the Iwi in allignment with kaupapa Māori values and tikanga Māori 

Through kōrero and wānanga with the Trustees, we proposed an approach which consisted of three stages: 

  • Stage 1: Whakawhanaungatanga with the Trust Board and seeking support around developing an Iwi-level strategic plan and alongside a governance review 
  • Stage 2: 2-Day Strategy Development Wānanga with Trustees and two Hui ā-Iwi, a pivotal point of difference in collating information as Te Iwi o Te Roroa wanted to hear from their Iwi and have that reflected in the review and strategic plan
  • Stage 3: Focus on the next 5 years (strategic plan) while holding fast to visualising the next 30 year aspirations of the Te Roroa

This process played an important part in the success of this mahi working alongside Te Iwi o Te Roroa, and positively contributed to the results for the iwi.  

Hui ā-Iwi: Gathering the voices of Te Roroa uri 

A pivotal aspect of this engagement for Te Roroa, was the commitment to reflecting the voices of Iwi members in the strategic plan and governance framework. This provided the Board with a basis and true reflection of what uri o Te Roroa want for their future, and therefore underpinned the development of the strategic plan.   

The process included:

  • Facilitation of two 1-day Hui ā-Iwi which were attended by over 50 Iwi members to seek input into their strategic priorities
  • Conducting a follow up 1-day strategy and governance development workshop with Trustees and the General Manager to integrate findings and co-develop solutions, using the feedback from the Hui ā-Iwi to amplify their voices into the development of the Iwi strategic priorities and aspirations
  • Developing a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations based on these hui as well as a monitoring and evaluation framework to work alongside the actionable recommendations 

This enabled the Board to engage whānau in defining strategic priorities through a culturally grounded process that incorporated marae-based hui and whanaungatanga, supporting whānau to give feedback and insight in te reo Māori.  

Process and Outcomes 

The Hui ā-Iwi process provided significant benefits by enabling Trustees and management to gain a deeper understanding of iwi priorities, shaping actionable and culturally relevant recommendations through whānau feedback, and strengthening the relationship between governance, management, marae, and Iwi members.    

  • Whānau Engagement: The hui were structured to foster meaningful participation, ensuring that iwi members feel heard and valued. Activities were grounded in tikanga and remembering whakapapa, creating a safe environment for open dialogue 
  • Data Collection: Insights were captured through interactive wānanga and facilitated discussions 
  • Strategic Alignment: The feedback from these hui directly informed the strategic plan and governance recommendations, ensuring alignment with iwi aspirations 

These wānanga were important in setting the foundation for the journey ahead and the strategic direction of Te Roroa. The Hui ā-Iwi insights also played a key role in shaping the Governance Training and Review that we conducted alongside Te Roroa. This enabled us to design training that was culturally relevant and supportive, equipping the Te Roroa Trust Boards with tools and knowledge to enhance their governance

Mather Solutions brought a tailored and tikanga-driven approach to this kaupapa, enabling Te Iwi o Te Roroa to:  

  • Develop a robust strategic plan grounded in iwi aspirations 
  • Strengthen governance frameworks with a focus on transparency and whānau engagement 
  • Build a foundation for long-term growth and success 

This kaupapa not only contributed to the journey of Te Iwi o Te Roroa, but also reinforced our commitment to empowering Iwi through strategic and governance support.  

If you want to know more about what we do and how we can help your organisation contact us here. 

 

Glossary

Hapū  – Sub-tribe
Iwi – Tribe
Ngāi Māori – Group of Māori
Mahi – Work
Whenua – Land
Whakapapa – Lineage
Whānau – Family
Kaitiaki – Guardian
Kaupapa Māori – Māori focus
Tikanga Māori – Cultural practices
Kōrero – Information
Wānanga – Workshop
Whakawhanaungatanga – Establishing relationships
Hui –ā-Iwi – Meeting held with tribal descendants
Uri – Descendant
Te Reo Māori – Māori language
Marae – Traditional Māori building complex
Hui – Meeting
Rangatahi – Younger generation

Should you require further information regarding the use of te reo Māori words in this case study please see Te Aka Māori Dictionary.

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