Tēnā Koutou Ngāti Hikairo Whānau

Te Rūnanganui O Ngāti Hikairo had another busy year in 2024. As we come to the close of this year, I wanted to take the time to quickly update you on the year.

• The most profound event is that we have made significant gains with the treaty claims process with Waikato Tainui. Lees Seymour has provided a detailed update on these developments but in short – we will be in a strong position to directly negotiate our interests in collaboration with other iwi in Kawhia Moana. We plan to hold a hui on 15 February 2025 to seek your views on this option.

Click here to review the WAI 30 AND REMAINING CLAIMS UPDATE

• We welcomed two new rūnanga members due to the extensive workload of the Committee. Tiriana Anderson and Mahinga-a-rangi Manuel were co-opted this year.

• Pipi Barton, Kurutia Seymour and Lees Seymour have been involved in the extensive work of Resource Management and managing our council relationships. This has been particularly important due to the policy changes by this Government.

• The rūnanga is focusing on our cultural and economic development. Tiriana is working on a Project to protect our tāonga. The rūnanga is keen to progress economic development through the establishment of a sub Committee to analyse opportunities. Thomas Tai has been instrumental in coordinating and establishing the Ngāti Hikairo Kaunihera.

I wish to thank Pip Barton, Hamua Gilmore, Kurutia Seymour, Duncan Robin, Lees Seymour, Thomas Tai, Tiriana Anderson, Gareth Seymour, Mahina-a-rangi Manuel, and Queenie Te Hae for their hard work and commitment to our iwi.

Finally to you all I wish you the most wonderful christmas and new year.

Nga Mihi
Susan Turner
Chair