Te Tūmatakahuki and Horowhenua District Council sign a Partnership Agreement.

Te Tūmatakahuki Co-Chairs Shane Royal and Reihana Adlam sign the partnership agreement with Horowhenua District Council Mayor, Bernie Wanden.

On December 13th, Te Tūmatakahuki hosted a significant and historical event at the Foxton War Memorial Hall, with approximately 100 members of our hapū and hāpori in attendance.

The purpose of the event was to formally acknowledge the signing of a partnership agreement between Te Tūmatakahuki and Horowhenua District Council. This agreement determines how we will work together to shape a future that honours hapū aspirations while delivering tangible benefits for the Horowhenua community.

Guests arrived to the welcoming sound of Te Rōpu Haka o Te Awahou kapa haka led by Mike Moses and Haringaroa Hati of Te Awahou. The event was opened by MC Hayden Turoa (Ngāti Turanga) who welcomed guests and set the tone for the formalities.

The event was MC by Hayden Turoa and supported by Te Rōpu Haka o Te Awahou kapa haka.

During his speech, Te Tūmatakahuki Chair, Shane Royal, shared the early vision and contributions of key hapū members such as Wayne Kiriona, Neville Heihei, and Justin Tamihana were honoured, alongside future leaders Reihana Adlam and Hayden Turoa.

What began as an uncertain step forward with three hapū has since grown into a united collective of twelve. The efforts of former Mayor Brendan Duffy and former CEO David Clapperton were recognised for their courage in engaging with Hapū a decade ago to explore a relationship while current Mayor Bernie Wanden was acknowledged along with Councillors and CEO Monique Davidson, for upholding this vision with integrity and a strong commitment to strengthening Hapū-Council relationships.

Mayor Bernie spoke on behalf of Council saying “I look forward to an enduring partnership with Te Tūmatakahuki and its representatives. Together, we will continue to develop our relationship, tackle challenges collaboratively and embrace the opportunities that come our way”.

Following the speeches, all attendees were invited to sign the partnership agreements recognising all hapū in the historical moment.

Signatures were captured from hapū leaders, kaumatua, mokopuna, elected members and more to akcnolwegd that the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitanga be the basis by which Te Tūmatakahuki and Horowhenua District Council engage each other.

After the signing of the partnership agreement, all guests were invited to share in a hakari.

E mihi ana ki te Whānau Hatsell for the beautiful kai.