As 2019 draws to a close, we can reflect on the year, and we can look forward for what is to come as we carry out the work you, our people, have entrusted us to do. 

First and foremost, we acknowledge whānau members throughout the motu who have passed during the year. We also share the sorrow of all those who have been impacted by the aftermath of the Whakaari eruption. Our thoughts are with Ngāti Awa during this time of immense grief.

Now, as we turn our attention to Wairoa, and work to realise the benefits of our settlement, we must also acknowledge the hard work of our tīpuna who set the wheels in motion so we could be where we are today. 

For Tātau Tātau, much of 2019 was absorbed by implementing the structure of the Unit Trust and Kāhui representation model, which you approved in 2018. This mahi included our Kāhui finalising their Trust Deeds and holding their Kāhui representative elections and appointment of Directors to our Commercial Board. 

It was wonderful to connect with whānau at the Engagement Hui in November where we sought your feedback on our Five-Year Strategic Plan and Annual Plan. It was great to see both familiar and new faces, and we are thankful for your support as we work to realise a prosperous future for the Hapū and Iwi of Te Rohe o Te Wairoa. 

It was important to us that we had our members’ input into our Five-Year Strategic Plan and Annual Plan, an important document that will shape our kaupapa over the years to come. The feedback we received was invaluable and we took this feedback on board as we updated the plan once feedback had closed on 30 November. 

We were pleased to receive approval on our Five-Year Strategy and Annual Plan at our Annual General Meeting on 14 December. Now we are geared up to work towards those milestones for 2020 and we look forward to updating you on our progress over the coming months.

You can read our Annual Report, Five-Year Strategic Plan and Annual Plan here. Hard copies are also available at our office in Wairoa (34 Marine Parade West).

Whānau, now is our time to be the successful Iwi and Hapū of Te Rohe o Te Wairoa that we always aspired to be. Our future is bright and we are so glad to have you with us on this next phase of our journey. 

We thank you for your continued support and we wish you all a safe and festive holiday. We look forward to connecting with you in the new year and working with you achieve great things for our Whānau, Hapū, Kāhui, and Iwi of Te Roge o Te Wairoa.

Nākū noa, nā
Your Tātau Tātau Representatives