Ko Mātou
About Us
He Whakamārama
History | Te Arawa Waka | Te Arawa Tangata
Ko Ngā Hunga
Ngā Kupu Kāwanatanga
Te Aronga | Purpose
Our Role
Te Arawa Lakes Trust (formerly Te Arawa Māori Trust Board) was established to represent the interests of Te Arawa hapū and iwi members in relation to the Te Arawa Lakes Settlement Act 2006.
Our Purpose
- The promotion amongst Te Arawa of the educational, spiritual, economic, social, health and cultural advancement or wellbeing of Te Arawa and its whānau
- The maintenance and establishment of places of cultural and/or spiritual significance to Te Arawa
- The promotion amongst Te Arawa of mental health and wellbeing of the aged or those suffering from mental or physical sickness or disability
- Any other purposes that is considered by the Trustees from time to time to be beneficial to Te Arawa.
Te Moemoeā | Vision
Our Vision
Kia eke ki ngā taumata o Matariki.
Ascend the high points of Pleiades.
Our Strategic Intent
Ka rongo te ao i te mana o Te Arawa.
Te mā o te wai e rite ana kia kite i ngā tapuwae a te kōura.
Whakapakari ake i te waka kia pae ki uta.
The authority of Te Arawa is readily recognised by all.
The quality of the water is such that you can see the footsteps of the kōura.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust is well equipped for the journey ahead.
Hapū | Iwi
Our Iwi
Mai Maketū ki Tongariro. Ko Te Arawa te waka. Ko Te Arawa māngai-nui ūpoko tūtakitaki.
From Maketū to Tongariro. Te Arawa the canoe. Te Arawa the determined people.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust represents 56 hapū from the confederated tribes of Te Arawa, Ngā Pūmanawa e Waru o Te Arawa (the eight beating hearts of Rangitihi). According to the 2013 Census, 43,374 people affiliate to Te Arawa. 19,548 people are registered with Te Arawa Lakes Trust.
Te Kawatapuarangi
- Ngāti Hinekura
- Ngāti Hinerangi
- Ngāti Kuri
- Ngāti Makino
- Ngāti Marukukere
- Ngāti Moemiti
- Ngāti Moko
- Ngāti Paruaharanui
- Ngāti Pikiao
- Ngāti Rereamanu
- Ngāti Rongomai
- Ngāti Tamakari
- Ngāti Tamateatutahi/Kawiti
- Ngāti Te Rangiunuora
- Ngāti Te Takinga
- Ngāti Tuheke A Hani
- Ngāti Tutaki-a-Koti
- Ngāti Wahanui
- Ngāti Whakahemo
- Ngāti Whakaokorau
Te Ure O Uenukukopako
- Ngāti Hurunga Te Rangi
- Ngāti Karenga
- Ngāti Kearoa
- Ngāti Kereru
- Ngāti Ngararanui
- Ngāti Ngata
- Ngāti Pukaki
- Ngāti Rangiiwaho
- Ngāti Rangiteaorere
- Ngāti Rangiwewehi
- Ngāti Rehu
- Ngāti Ririu
- Ngāti Taeotu
- Ngāti Tahu
- Ngāti Tawhaki
- Ngāti Te Ngakau
- Ngāti Te Purei
- Ngāti Tuara
- Ngāti Tunohopu
- Ngāti Tura
- Ngāti Tuteniu
- Ngāti Uenukukopako
- Ngāti Waoku
- Ngāti Whakakeu
- Ngāti Whakaue
- Ngāti Whaoa
- Te Roro O Te Rangi
Tuhourangi
- Ngāti Hinemihi
- Ngāti Rangitihi
- Ngāti Taoi
- Ngāti Tarawhai
- Ngāti Tu
- Ngāti Tumatawera /
- Kahuupoko
- Ngāti Tuohonoa
- Ngāti Wahiao
- Tuhourangi
Ko Te Orokohanga | Origins
Our Origins
The Te Arawa people of the Bay of Plenty are the offspring of Pūhaorangi, a celestial being who descended from the heavens to sleep with the beautiful maiden Te Kuraimonoa.
From this union came the revered ancestor Ohomairangi. He was responsible for protecting Taputapuātea marae — a place of learning on the island of Raiatea or Rangiātea, in the Polynesian homeland known as Hawaiki. High priests from all over the Pacific came to Rangiātea to share their knowledge of the genealogical origins of the universe and of deep-ocean navigation.
By the time Ohomairangi’s revered descendant, Atuamatua, was born the people were known as Ngāti Ohomairangi and lived in the village of Maketū. Atuamatua married the four granddaughters of Ruatapu. A generation later, six of their sons, Tia, Hei, Rakauri, Houmaitawhiti, Oro and Makaa became the leading family group of Ngāti Ohomairangi.
Te Hekenga Mai | Migration
The migration to Te Ika-a-Māui over 20 generations ago was instigated by war over scarcity of resources and land. Houmaitawhiti, one of Atuamatua’s six sons, had a son, Tamatekapua. Tamatekapua took up the challenge laid down by his father: to seek a peaceful new home in a land far to the south.
Over 30 Ngāti Ohomairangi tribe members accompanied Tamatekapua and the tohunga, Ngatoroirangi, in the double-hulled canoe originally named Ngā rākau rua a Atuamatua (the two trunks of Atuamatua) in memory of their father.
During the voyage they had a perilous encounter with the great ocean creature, Te Parata, who almost swallowed them. However, one story goes that they were delivered from the jaws of certain death by a mythical great shark, and the people renamed the canoe and themselves Te Arawa in its honour.
Arrival
On entering the Kaituna estuary beside Ōkūrei, the bow of the Te Arawa canoe was tethered to a large rock, Tokaparore, and to an anchor rock called Tūterangiharuru, which held her fast in the current of the Kaituna River. The tohunga Ngātoroirangi was the first to step off, conducting rituals beneath a pōhutukawa tree in full bloom.
Today this site is remembered as Ōngātoro, and commemorated by a monument built in 1940. A pā established on the Ōkūrei headland close to the moored canoe was named Maketū, after their home village on Rangiātea, in Hawaiki.
Te Rohe | District
Te Arawa multiplied and spread across the geothermal zone of the central North Island, occupying lands in a continuous line from coast to volcanic mountain interior.
This area became identified with Te Arawa, and is affirmed on marae with the proverb:
Mai Maketū ki Tongariro
Ko Te Arawa te waka
Ko Te Arawa Māngai-Nui Ūpoko Tūtakitaki
From Maketū to Tongariro
Te Arawa the canoe
Te Arawa the determined people
Karen Vercoe
Chief Executive Officer
Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Mākino
Karen’s experience extends across multiple sectors with a focus on capability development and outcomes frameworks. Karen has held various leadership roles and has a passion for business and governance.
Karen has previously served as an elected member on the Sport Industry Training Organisation Māori Board and the OSCAR Foundation.
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Karen was the recipient of the 2016 Dame Mira Szászy Māori Alumni Award. Recipients are graduates of the University of Auckland Business School who have achieved significant success in their careers and are involved in activities relating to the advancement of Māori. Karen holds a Master of Management degree from the University of Auckland (2007) and was a recipient of the University of Auckland Kelly Research Scholarship (2006).
Karen is currently the elected chairperson of Te Pūmautanga o Te Arawa and sits on the Iwi Chairs Forum Māori Sport and Iwi leaders groups.
Karen is a former New Zealand double international sportswoman in Rugby and Touch.
She is also the mokopuna of Major Te Reiwhati Vercoe who was a previous Chairman of Te Arawa Trust Board.
Karen is the proud mum of Hinemihi and Kahuao.
Simone Coffin
Operations Manager
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Taparoto Te Rerehau Nicholson Dip Wh, Dip Alt, BEd
Relationships Manager
Tuhourangi, NgātiTuheke Te Kāhika, Te Arawa
Taparoto was retained by the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute after graduation in 1980. For the next 25 years he held various roles including Pou Ako, Pou Tikanga and Manager Māori Developements (Head of Wānanga). After a planned exit in 2003 Taparoto accept a contract with the Anglican Church, to replicate all Traditionally Carved Artworks for the Rangiatea Whare Karakia (Otaki). Taparoto returned to Te Puia accepting a role as GM Operations in 2010. During this period he also complete his BEd with TWOA. Taparoto accepted his current leadership role with TALT in 2021.
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Taparoto and is wife of 43+ years, Nuki Margaret nee Royal, have one child, Ngaone Chantal who, with her husband, have two children, the centre of their universe when it comes to whānau.
Nicola (Nicki) Douglas
Environmental Manager
Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Rangiwewehi
Nicki has worked in the Conservation and Environment sector for 21 years, with Operational and Strategic Leadership roles in DOC and with hapū and iwi. Nicki arrived at TALT in 2017 and has participated in leadership, development, and implementation of environmental initiatives focused on the health and wellbeing of our 14 Lakes and their associated waterways. Nicki also convenes Te Urunga o Kea – Te Arawa Climate Change Working Group and was involved in the development of a strategy for Te Arawa in response to climate change Te Ara ki Kōpū.
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Nicki has also worked on national policy and reform with the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group and sits on the National Wallaby Programme Governance Group and is currently undertaking a Masters in Māori and Indigenous Leadership (University of Canterbury).
Nicki is married to Eric Short (Ngāti Porou, Cook Islands) and they have four children, Rawiri (28), Manahi (21) Hinetaapora (19) and Pokaihau (18).
Haimona Te Nahu
Te Papa Ahurewa Manager
Rakairoa, Te Whanau a Hunaara, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Rongomaiwahine, Tuwharetoa, Te Arawa.
Born and raised in Rotorua, educated in kohanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori before pursuing a LLB in Laws and a BA in Te Reo Māori and tikanga Māori at Te Whare Wananga o Waikato. Started my career with the Rotorua District Community Law Centre before becoming the Kaitakawaenga / National Māori Co-ordinator for Community Law Centres o Aotearoa for around 9 years. During that time, I also provided support to Aotearoa Kapa Haka Limited, the commercial arm of Te Matatini under the guidance and mentorship of Wi Pere Mita, which continues today.
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I am married to a beautiful Ngati Rangiwewehi, Ngati Pikiao, Ngati Hine woman, Ngawiki Mihiaira Ashby. We have three children, Mareikura, Mihiaira and Mohi-Waaka.
My passions are hunting, diving, sports and whanau.
Laurie Watt
Service Delivery Manager
Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue
Being able to serve Te Arawa whānau, walking alongside them to help them achieve their dreams, goals and aspirations in the most seamless way possible is what drives Laurie in her mahi.
Laurie has been actively involved in Te Arawa COVID Hub since its inception, particularly working with hapū delegates to support our whānau and helping drive the rollout of the COVID vaccine in our rohe.
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Geoff Rolleston
Chairman
Te Ure o Uenukukōpako Trustee
Geoff is Te Arawa Lakes Trust’s interim Chairman until the Board confirms a new appointment. Mr Rolleston has served on Te Arawa Lakes Trust since 2015 and brings strong commercial and management experience to the table.
Having spent most of his working career in private enterprise associated with the timber and agri-business industries, he has accumulated invaluable experience in sales, marketing, negotiation, and dispute resolution.
Rangitihi Pene
Deputy Chairman
Tūhourangi Trustee
Te Arawa Waka, Te Arawa Tāngata, Te Arawa Moana tēnei ka mihi.
My background is in education but in the last five years I have been drawn onto our tribal trusts. I am a current trustee of both Te Pūmautanga o Te Arawa and the Tūhourangi Tribal Authority. In these capacities I have attended meetings in relation to improving the water quality of Rotorua and Tarawera.
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I see the Lakes Trust as a leader in providing Māori input into policy at both the local and national level. Our many lakes are under threat and we must be diligent in ensuring their mauri and cultural significance are enhanced.
My interests outside my whānau are my marae, Hinemihi. My iwi, Tūhourangi, I am an active member of Te Whare Kōrero o Tūhourangi, who run tribal wānanga. I am also involved in both basketball and kapa haka.
Nuki Nicholson
Tūhourangi Trustee
Ko Mere raua ko Bill Royal ōku Matua.
Married to Taparoto, we are blessed with our daughter Chantal and mokopuna Reagan and Ebony.
My strengths are integrity and humility. I have a strong passion to contribute to the economic, environmental, educational, social, cultural growth and development of our hapū and iwi.
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I am the current Chair of Te Arawa Lakes Trust Te Taiao subcommittee and also sit on the Finance, Audit and Risk subcommittee. I am a Trustee – Kapenga Trust and Trustee – Te Arawa Waka Trust.
Currently, Pou Arahi Taiao – Environment and Key Relationships Manager for Te Arawa River Iwi Trust. My qualifications are in Iwi and Environmental Management, Social Sciences (Geography). I have over 40 years of work experience, holding Senior Management positions in Finance, Forestry, Education, Tourism, Information-Technology and Health. I have an extensive working knowledge of organisational operations, strategies, budgets and financial plans.
Niwa Nuri
Tūhourangi Trustee
Niwa is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and Chair of the Te Arawa Lakes Trust Finance, Audit and Risk subcommittee.
Niwa is a Director on Toi Ohomai Limited, Chairman of the Waikato Institute of Technology Limited (Wintec),Trustee on Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi Trust, and hold a Trustee position on Rototuna Primary School (Hamilton).
Niwa has professional governance experience and offers skills to enhance the well-being of Te Arawa uri.
Georgina Whata
Te kawatapuārangi trustee
Ngāti Pikiao
Ko Ngati Pikiao te iwi ko Te Takinga te marae ko Georgina Whata ahau.
I have a comprehensive working knowledge of the responsibilities and obligations expected of a Trustee obtained through a combination of formal qualifications and work experience in Senior Management positions.
I currently work for a Maori Ahu Whenua Trust and in this organisation I have held the positions of, General Manager Corporate Services, General Manager Sustainability & Innovation and In-House Counsel.
In my current position I manage a team who analyse exisiting and new commercial opportunities.
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I will actively pursue the advancement of TALT’s purpose through influencing at a governance level the commercial growth of its assets and the effective and efficient delivery of services and support to our beneficiaries. Being held accountable for my performance keeps me aligned to the purpose and expectations of the trust and the expectations of our whānau.
Roana Bennett
Te Ure o Uenukukōpako Trustee
Roana Bennett holds a Bachelor of Management Studies degree from Waikato University and was a finalist in the New Zealander of the Year Award 2015 for Innovation in Iwi/Māori Education.
Her professional background is in strategy and governance, and she has proven leadership skills.
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As a lifelong advocate for Iwi development, Roana believes Iwi well-being is inextricably linked to the environment. Te Arawa Lakes Trust provides the potential to transform Iwi, hapū and whānau well-being through environmental advocacy and collective action.
Te Ururoa Flavell
Te Ure o uenukukopako trustee
Ngāti Rangiwewehi
Ko Tiheia te maunga,
Ko te Mimi o Pekehaua te wai tuku kiri
Ko Tarimano te papa tapu
Ko Ngāti Rangiwewehi te iwi
Ko Te Ururoa Flavell tōku ingoa
Tēnā tatou katoa.
As a previous board member and Chair of our financial arm (TAML), I am conscious of the legacy of what led to the current Board.
The Te Arawa Trust Board was a critical part of our collective tribal leadership in its day.
Tribes will always have absolute authority in their takiwā.
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There are times, however, when we can benefit from our collective strength as a confederation in developing strategies to be fully immersed in the many issues that affect our rohe including our Lakes. This can be achieved by working with others and building strong relationships.
Ko Te Arawa māngai-nui ūpoko tū-takitaki. It is about bringing this
kōrero to life. This will be my focus.
Arapeta Tahana
Te Kawatapuārangi trustee
Ngāti Pikiao
Mauri ora ki a tatau,
I was raised on the shores of lake Rotoiti amongst my Ngati Pikiao whanau. Passionate about iwi development and te taiao within the Te Arawa rohe.
I have been involved in the governance and management of Te Arawa organisations for the past 18 years, including multiple projects aimed at realising the collective potential and aspirations of Te Arawa. Extensive experience in governance roles with local and regional councils, including being Councilor on the Bay of Plenty Regional from 2013-2019.
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In this role I will contribute towards strengthening the strategic focus and influence of the Trust to deliver better outcomes for our lakes, people and culture.
Most importantly, I believe deeply in our collective obligation to care for our lakes and whenua, and in such, continuing the work of our tupuna to maintain the mana of Te Arawa whanui.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust
Roles and responsibilities
Their roles and responsibilities are set out quite clearly in the Trust Deed but in brief they will be required to receive, manage and administer the trust funds on behalf of and for the benefit of present and future members of Te Arawa by:
- The establishment and bedding down of the new Trust.
- The establishment of Te Arawa Management Limited.
- Draft a distribution policy within twelve months.
- Establish freshwater fisheries management committees within twelve months.
- Negotiate and sign off protocols within twelve months.
- Carry out a formal review of the Trust representation model within two years.
- Negotiate with RDC the return of Lake Okaro.
- How will they be accountable to their constituents?
- Through a comprehensive communication strategy that will include such things as reporting and holding regular hui in their tūpuna rohe;
- Newsletters, mail outs, annual general meetings.
How will they be accountable to their constituents?
Through a comprehensive communication strategy that will include such things as reporting and holding regular hui in their tūpuna rohe; newsletters, mail outs, annual general meetings.
How long is the trustees term of office?
3 years.
There is a wide diversity of people on the trust, how do you think their various talents will help the trust kaupapa?
By ensuring:
- They know the key objectives and priorities of the Settlement.
- Putting in place clear policies on how they will work together to achieve them.
- By identifying and utilizing their respective strengths and growing their capabilities.
Are there any grants or scholarships available for Te Arawa descendants?
Unfortunately, the Trust has no funding available at this time for education, sporting or fundraising events.
Explanation of Tohu
The shape is a stylized version of the tapatoru or triangle – regarded as the most balanced and structurally strongest design created by strength through unity. It is also symbolic of the kurutao – the “V” shaped military formation that Māori warriors formed when confronting the enemy – again signifying strength through unity.
The kōwhaiwhai design represents the unified base that is Te Arawa whānui. The eight black triangles represent and acknowledge the individuality of Ngā Waru Pūmanawa o Te Arawa – the eight beating hearts of Te Arawa which in turn represent the main hapū of Te Arawa. They also depict niho or teeth that can be translated as the “biting edge” leadership for Te Arawa.
The 3 waves signifies the relationship with the lakes. Also the 3 tupuna rohe that make up the new Lakes Trust structure and not forgetting our “links” with the past. And finally a jet stream in the wake of Te Arawa progress.
When you combine these elements the tohu represents the Te Arawa people united by the Te Arawa lakes settlement moving forward together with purpose and confidence.
Bylaws
The Te Arawa Lakes (fisheries) Bylaw 2020 puts new rules and restrictions in place when fishing for taonga ika.
The bylaws are a historic development and are the first time fisheries bylaws have been set under the Te Arawa Lakes treaty settlement through the Te Arawa Fisheries Regulations
The new bylaws will not only put limits on the numbers of taonga species taken, allowing taonga species to regenerate for the benefit of future generations, but they will also allow us to learn more about the state of the overall fishery through the data collected, recognise customary practices and create future jobs and opportunities for Te Arawa whānau.
For more information please visit the Permit page.