Te Puia Kaitiaki Cards: Wāhiao Tūhourangi o Whakarewarewa
Te Puia Ltd has initiated the “Kaitiaki Card” for all registered members of Wāhiao Tūhourangi o Whakarewarewa Trust (WTOW). The card is for WTOW registered members only and enables access to a range of exclusive and significant benefits when visiting Te Puia. This will also serve as official proof of shareholder status and must be presented to access WTOW shareholder benefits.
Exclusive Kaitiaki Cardholder Benefits Include:
Free entry into Te Rā Guided Experience
50% discount on Te Rā Cultural Performances
One complimentary adult pass (per annum) for Mārama Geyser Light Trail, then 50% discount thereafter.
20% Discount offPātaka Kai Buffet Lunch or Buffet Dinner
Free meal at Pātaka Kai Restaurant, Bar and Café on the Cardholder’s birthday (excluding Christmas Day).
20% Discount off Te Po or Te Po Combo
20% Discount off āhua Gallery
15% Discount off purchases at Oha Store, or Hiakai café.
HOW TO APPLY
Make a request by emailling register@wtow.nz
The registrar will reply with a confirmation email to be taken to the Admissions Desk at Te Puia (20 Hemo Road, Rotorua)
You will need to present valid photo identification when collecting your card at the Admissions Desk
Please ensure your photo ID matches the name you registered with. If not, you may need to re-register with WToW under your legal name
HOW TO COLLECT
Visit the Admissions Area at Te Puia to have your photo taken and your Kaitiaki card printed
Please note: cards can only be issued in person, between 12:00pm—4.30pm, Monday to Saturday
If you need any support with the verification or collection process, please feel free to contact register@wtow.nz. Ensure your postal address and contact details are up to date to ensure you receive important correspondence for the upcoming election of trustees and AGM, date TBC.
*Kia mārama ai tātou, the Te Puia Kaitiaki card and the associated benefits are for registered members of Wāhiao Tūhourangi o Whakarewarewa Trust (WTOW) and not Tūhourangi Tribal Authority (TTA).
Position Vacancy: Waimangu General Manager
He tūranga wātea ki tēnei whenua taurikura, whenua haumako ō tātou o Tūhourangi e!
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most unique visitor experiences – the world's youngest geothermal system, formed following the 1886 eruption of our tupuna maunga, Tarawera.
Owned through a 50/50 partnership between Tūhourangi Tribal Authority and Te Puia, we are seeking an experienced and values-led General Manager to provide strategic, commercial and operational leadership as Waimangu continues to grow and evolve.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Applications close Wednesday 29 July.
Te Hū o Tarawera Wānanga 2026
This poster includes key kaupapa and wānanga taking place each month to commemorate 140 years of resilience, perseverance and strength of Tūhourangi uri since the 1886 Tarawera eruption.
PDF download here.
Te Hū o Tarawera Wānanga: Waimangu Visit
On Saturday 23 May, Tūhourangi uri embarked on a hīkoi around the whenua, ngāwhā and rotomoana at Waimangu as part of the 140 Year commemorative wānanga.
Newborn pēpi, kōeke, rangatahi and pakeke alike enjoyed a lovely outing on our tupuna whenua, some arriving here for the first time. E mihi ana ki ngā kāwai whakapapa katoa o Tūhourangi i takahī whenua i te mutunga wiki, ā, hoki ki ngā kaimahi o Waimangu i hāpai ake i te kaupapa tūhonohono nei o te uri ki ōnā anō whenua. Auahi ana e!
Announcement: Waimangu Board Appointment
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Pipiana Whiston as a Director of Waimangu Volcanic Valley Ltd.
Pipiana brings extensive senior leadership and governance experience across the tourism, hospitality, and agribusiness sectors, together with strong connections within the Rotorua business community.
Pipiana is the eldest granddaughter of Te Kuru o Te Marama & Louie Waaka.
Her appointment further strengthens the Board’s capability as Waimangu continues to grow as a significant tourism and cultural asset. We look forward to Pipiana’s contribution to the ongoing stewardship and success of Waimangu.
Te Kapa Haka Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao qualify for Te Matatini 2027
Nei te iti me te rahi o Tūhourangi e mihi ana ki Te Kapa Haka o Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao me ngā uri katoa o Tūhourangi i tū ki te whakataetae-ā-rohe i te mutunga wiki kua taha ake.
We join the multitudes of Te Arawa waka in congratulating all of the kapa, kaitautoko, whānau and hāpai ō who took to the stage to share the fruits of the last several months of dedication, commitment and sacrifice.
TTA Trustee Elections: Nominations Open
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority will be holding its rotation ballot election for two (2) positions on 28th March 2026.
Those who wish to stand for a trustee position must send a request for nomination to:
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority
P.O. BOX 6161
WHAKAREWAREWA
ROTORUA
OR
Email: admin@tuhourangi.iwi.nz
OR
Text: 0272913002
Kia mōhio mai, both Nominee and Nominator must be a verified registered TTA beneficiary prior to receipt of nomination form. Click here to find out more about registration.
Ngā mihi nui,
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority
Tūhourangi merch store: now live
E te iwi, nei rā te kaupapa whakamīharo.
We’re excited to launch our official Tūhourangi merch store, featuring our core collection: a range of everyday apparel and accessories designed for uri, whānau and supporters of our iwi.
This collection provides a simple and consistent base, with seasonal and limited-edition releases planned for 2026 to coincide with key kaupapa and events.
You can shop the collection here or by clicking the button in the navigation menu.
What you’ll find in the Core Collection:
Tūhourangi-branded tees and hoodies
Accessories and everyday items featuring our iwi tohu
Every purchase supports future initiatives and helps us build toward next year’s programme of activities.
Read the information page linked here or please contact us if you have any pātai.
Mauri ora
Media Release: Karakia marks new chapter for Waimangu Volcanic Valley with new boats and ownership changes
A significant milestone was celebrated at Waimangu Volcanic Valley on Monday, with a karakia to name and launch the valley’s two new vessels on Lake Rotomahana and to acknowledge the recent change in ownership.
The karakia was conducted by representatives from Tūhourangi Tribal Authority and Te Puia NZMACI Limited Partnership – owners of Rotorua’s Waimangu Volcanic Valley – each now holding a 50% share in the business.
In addition, Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) has taken on management of day-to-day operations, further strengthening a close working relationship that has been built over the past eight years. The new management agreement brings both organisations into even closer alignment, supporting a unified vision for the future of the business.
Speakers also paid tribute to the legacy of leaders who helped shape Waimangu, including the late former owner Harvey James (passed 2017) and former directors Harena Warbrick, Alan Skipwith and George Hickton, who passed more recently. Their contributions were acknowledged with respect and gratitude.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley Board Chair Deryck Shaw said the day signalled an exciting new era.
“These new vessels and upgraded facilities are designed to enhance the visitor experience, positioning Waimangu to continue delivering outstanding experiences for both international and domestic manuhiri (visitors).”
Shaw also acknowledged the significant investment made by the Tūhourangi / Ngāti Rangitihi Joint Administering Body, which owns and administers the whenua (land). Recent developments include major sustainability improvements, such as new septic and bathroom facilities in the valley.
Owner representatives - Tūhourangi Tribal Authority Chair Kirikowhai Mikaere and Te Puia Chief Executive Tim Cossar spoke to the deep ancestral connection’s iwi have to the whenua and the shared commitment to creating ongoing wellbeing and opportunity for their people through this partnership.
ENDS
For further information or interview requests, please contact:
Jenha Phillips
027 705 7005
Introduction to governance training for Tūhourangi uri
On Saturday 18th October, we held a governance training facilitated by EY Tahi focused on land blocks affiliated to Tūhourangi.
The idea for arose from the land block hui held in April and was set up as an opportunity for rangatahi to get an insight into governance training and for experienced trustees to ‘update’ their software and scout potential trustees.
Feedback from the training was overwhelmingly positive and future projects are being developed to further tautoko and foster this desire within our hapū and whānau to refine and improve their governance skills and capabilities.
E mihi ana ki a EY Tahi nā rātou te hui nei i taki, auahi ana e!
Governance Training for Tūhourangi
Te tira ārahi haere i te mana o Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao ki runga o Mākereti Papakura, ki Ingarangi rā anō hei mātārere mō te noho toa o te mātauranga Māori ki ngā wānanga ikeike o te ao!
Hoki rawa mai ki ngā mate o te waka o Te Arawa, ki te ika mōmona o Taupō moana, takoto tiraha e te Ariki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu VIII.
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority warmly invites trustees, committee members, and representatives of land blocks affiliated to Tūhourangi to attend a half-day Governance Training Hui on Saturday 18th of October 2025.
This hui, facilitated by Selwyn Hayes from Tahi, is designed to strengthen governance capacity and provide practical tools to support the effective management of our whenua. It is also an opportunity to connect and share whakaaro with others engaged in similar mahi across the rohe.
Ngā Taipitopito, details:
Places are limited to 40 participants
Held at Rydges hotel – with lunch provided – from 11am – 3pm.
Please confirm your attendance by 10th of October by contacting: taiao@tuhourangi.iwi.nz or 0210796598
We look forward to your participation in this important kaupapa for the future of our whenua and our people
Mauri ora
TTA x Pūrangakura Kawenata signing for new research kaupapa
On Tuesday 12 August 2025, Tūhourangi Tribal Authority joined seven kāinga from around the motu and Pūrangakura at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae, Mt Albert, Tāmaki Makaurau to officially mark the beginning of a new rangahau kaupapa based on supporting kāinga aspirations for wai restoration and community wellbeing.
Te Maiora Rurehe (Pou Whakahaere Taiao, Environmental Manager) and Hana Tapiata (Kāinga Based Researcher) travelled up to Tāmaki Makaurau on behalf of TTA and shared some initial kōrero about their relationship with the various wai in our rohe and some of the challenges faced by our people throughout history to the current day.
This kaupapa commenced in early 2025 and will continue until the end of 2028. Wānanga and hui will be held with our whānau in due course, please ensure you are subscribed to our email list and following our social media channels to keep up to date.
AGM: Sunday 31 August, Te Pakira
Nau mai, tautī mai ki te hui AGM o Tūhourangi Tribal Authority. To be held on Sunday 31st August 2025 at Te Pakira Marae, Whakarewarewa.
AGENDA: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Karakia timatanga
Apologies
Previous minutes
Chairperson’s Report
Audited Report 2023 / 2024
Audited Report 2024 / 2025
Appointment of Auditor
Operational Reports 2023 / 2025
General business
Karakia whakamutunga
Followed by a light lunch.
Requests for an Electronic Annual Report and Previous Minutes can be sent toadmin@tuhourangi.iwi.nz OR downloaded here.
Hard copies will be available at the hui.
Tūhourangi Ahurei | What you need to know
Ānei rā ngā whakaritenga, here’s what you need to know in preparation for Tūhourangi Ahurei 2025 ki Ōtūkawa.
Pōhiri
The pōhiri will begin at 8.30am sharp. Kapa are encouraged to send a representative on behalf of their group if necessary
Parking
Parking near the marae is strictly reserved for our kōeke and those with mobility permits. All other vehicles must use public parking along Kaituna River Road and Pah Road. Turning into the marae carpark from the main road (Maketu side) is not recommended. It is safer to continue to Waitangi, u-turn at Te Matai Kura and head back to Ōtūkawa
Travel
Please avoid turning right into the marae from the Rotorua direction. Instead, we recommend the following:
• take the Maketū turnoff
• turn left into Young Road
• left into Pah Road
This route will lead you directly to the designated public parking areas
Hāngi
Hāngi will be ready at 1.30pm. Each kapa must have a designated person to collect the kai for your rōpū
Stalls
There will be kai stalls, an arts & crafts stall, along with information stalls so bring some pūtea with you, in case there is no eftpos available
Tēnā koa āta pānuihia ngā taipitopito nei, ā, mēnā he pātai, tukuna mai he karere. E mihi ana mō ō koutou whakaaro, āwhina, me te tautoko i tēnei kaupapa whakahirahira mā tātou.
Please share this pānui with your whānau to ensure everyone has the relevant information for a smooth, seamless day together as our iwi.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Te Rōpū Whakahaere o te Ahurei o Tūhourangi
Te Hū o Tarawera 139yr Commemorations
Proceedings for Tuesday 10 June 2025, 139 years since the Tarawera Eruption.
8.30am: Gather at Tarawera Trail Carpark in front of Ohomairangi Pou.
Mihi/ Karakia : James Hamiora
Kōrero : Mokopuna of whanau about Tarawera
M/C : Pereriki Makiha
9.00am: Re gather at the Memorial Opposite Buried Village
M/C : Pereriki Makiha to explain the proceedings
Karakia : Te Mauri Kingi to lay to rest the Pou Maumahara
10.00am: Gather again at Te Wairoa, Buried Village
Presentation by Doctor Nari Faires (Whānau Makiha) on her doctorate, based on Tarawera
Kapu tī me te paramanawa
Te Pou Maumahara - Tarawera
On Sunday 16th March 2025 the Pou Maumahara on Tarawera Road, just past Buried Village, was severely damaged beyond repair, due to the recklessness of an anonymous errant car driver.
This Pou Maumahara was erected in 2006 by Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao to commemorate 120 years since the eruption. It was named Te Rangipuawhe after our ariki at the time. Robert Rika was the tohunga whakairo.
A small group of concerned iwi members has held two meetings where the damage of the pou and a possible plan of action were discussed.
The Pou Maumahara is held in safe storage at Lake Tarawera.
Robert Rika who is now a whakairo restorer with NZ Heritage Trust [in his uncle’s former role] has carried out an initial assessment on the pou, recommending total replacement. A formal report will be submitted in due course to his trustees.
The Pou Maumahara is on the Rotorua Lakes Council asset register and an application for insurance cover is under consideration.
Updates will be provided as matters are confirmed.
Tuesday 10th June 2025 – Three important kaupapa for our Iwi
8:30am | Annual Mt Tarawera Commemoration Karakia - Ohomairangi Pou, Car Park Tarawera Trail
9:00am | Burial of Pou Maumahara - Memorial Site, opposite Buried Village [please park at Buried Village]
10:00am | Doctoral Thesis Celebration with Dr Nari Faiers - Buried Village
Nā Ngarepo Eparaima mātou ko Rangitihi Pene, Robert Rika, Daryn Bean, Pererika Makiha, Watu Mihinui, Karen Walmsley, Nari Faiers
“Guide Maggie” to posthumously receive Oxford degree
Kāore te aroha ki tō tātau kōkara
Unceasing is the love we have for our mother
The groundbreaking work of one of Rotorua’s most celebrated guides is being recognised nearly a century after her death, with the University of Oxford posthumously awarding a Masters of Philosophy in Anthropology to Mākereti Papakura – also known as Guide Maggie.
Mākereti Papakura (Tūhourangi, Te Arawa) was born in Matatā in 1873, moving to Te Whakarewarewa Valley after secondary school and eventually training to be a guide under Guide Sophia Hinerangi.
International media attention came when she hosted the high-profile visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall (late King George V and Queen Mary) at Te Whakarewarewa in 1901.
After touring a musical group to Sydney and then London, Mākereti moved to England before World War I, and commenced studies in anthropology at Oxford in 1922. She is still believed to be the first indigenous women to study at the University.
Mākereti died suddenly in April 1930, just a few weeks before she was due to present her thesis. Whānau members and scholars have advocated for her degree to be awarded ever since. The degree will be awarded at a special ceremony at Oxford at the end of September.
Tūhourangi Tribal Authority Chair, Kirikowhai Mikaere, says the announcement is a thrilling development.
“Like many others of her time, Mākereti’s mahi here at home and around the world has long been an inspiration to our people.
“No matter where she went or what she did, Mākereti was always conscious of her whakapapa and responsibilities to Tūhourangi, immortalising our culture and traditions – from a wāhine perspective – through her research.
“To see her work finally recognised in this way is hugely significant for Tūhourangi and Aotearoa, and is an enormous credit to her whānau and so many others who have advocated on her behalf over the past 95 years,” Ms Mikaere says.
“Even nearly 100 years on from her sudden passing, Mākereti continues to remind us of the strength and determination of our people, and the contributions we make in the world, every day.”
Tūhourangi whenua, roto and kōrero now on Apple Maps
“For Tūhourangi, this partnership with Apple Maps is more than just a technological collaboration — it reflects our role as kaitiaki, ensuring the protection and accurate representation of our cultural heritage" - Annie Balle.
As of this week, Apple Maps now displays Indigenous whenua in Aotearoa and Australia. Annie has been instrumental in leading this kaupapa for Tūhourangi, to ensure our whenua, roto and kōrero are displayed correctly only on the maps but also safeguarded in this hononga with Apple.
“By bringing our stories to a global audience, we can uphold our narratives, safeguard our data sovereignty, and demonstrate how Indigenous knowledge and technology can work together to promote cultural understanding and sustainability.”
New Zealand Herald article: Apple doubles kura programme to 5000 students, upgrades Maps with iwi place cards
Successful Tūhourangi Tribal Authority Nominees
On Saturday 22 March 2025 the final day of the Tūhourangi Tribal Authority Trustee elections took place at Whakarewarewa School in Rotorua.
There were three positions available, previously held by Watu Mihinui, Rangitihi Pene and Warena Morgan; Watu did not seek reelection this round. Seven Tūhourangi uri put themselves forward for nomination, providing a range of governance expertise and invaluable insights for registered voters to choose from.
At the close of voting on Saturday, the Returning Officer tallied the final in-person votes along with postal and electronic submissions. The successful nominees and new Trustees for Tūhourangi Tribal Authority are:
Warena Morgan
Lana Ngawhika
Rangitihi Pene
Official election results (including the number of votes each nominee received) can be found here.