Te Tūmatakahuki has acknowledged 16 years of leadership and service from its founding Chair, Shane Te Ahukaramū Royal, who stepped down from the role this week.
Shane has played a significant role in the establishment and growth of Te Tūmatakahuki, helping bring together the hapū and iwi of Ngāti Raukawa te au ki te tonga within Horowhenua to strengthen the collective voice and relationships with local government.
What began as three hapū seeking a stronger relationship with Horowhenua District Council has grown into a collective representing twelve hapū and iwi. Over the years, Shane has given countless hours to this kaupapa, working alongside hapū and iwi representatives, whānau and the wider community to advance the aspirations of our people.
Among the significant milestones during his leadership was the signing of the Partnership Agreement with Horowhenua District Council in 2024. More than a decade in the making, the agreement formally recognised the twelve hapū and iwi as mana whenua and established a foundation for an enduring relationship with Council, grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Through Shane’s leadership, Te Tūmatakahuki has also grown into an established organisation with greater opportunities to influence decisions affecting our whenua, taiao and whānau.
Te Tuaranui - recognising the service of Shane Te Ahukaramū Royal.
A particularly significant moment at the Annual General Meeting was the presentation of Te Tuaranui, a mere pounamu gifted to Shane in recognition of his longstanding commitment and service to Te Tūmatakahuki.
Presented by Hayden Turoa with karakia from Pā Wylie Te Peeti, Te Tuaranui acknowledges the countless hours, effort and leadership Shane has contributed over 16 years to Te Tūmatakahuki. The name, Te Tuaranui, speaks to the whakapapa and namesake of Shane Te Ahukaramū, including the kōrero with Waitohi “Mā wai e mau mai ōku werewere? Ki te whenua kua oti i ahau te ūkui! Māku mā te tuaranui o Pakake!”
Looking to the next generation
In his final Chairperson’s Report, Shane reflected with pride on the journey of Te Tūmatakahuki and the collective effort of the many people who have contributed along the way.
Shane also left a challenge for the next generation of leaders “Do we want the future to shape us, or do we choose to shape the future?”
As part of the planned leadership succession, Reihana Adlam was elected as Chair, alongside Hinerangi Hemara Haeana as Deputy Chair. Justin Tamihana continues as General Manager of Te Tūmatakahuki. While the time of Shane as Chair has come to an end, his contribution will continue to be reflected in the relationships, opportunities and foundations that Te Tūmatakahuki carries forward.
