Ngati Mutunga o Wharekauri Iwi Trust


Kaupapa/Purposes of the Trust 

The Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri Iwi Trust is a charitable trust established during the process to meet mandate requirements under the Maori Fisheries Act 2004.

The Trust was established to enable Trustees to apply the Trust Fund towards any purpose or purposes that advances the cultural, social or economic standing of, or is otherwise beneficial to any or all Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri, provided that such purpose or purposes are charitable under New Zealand law. 



Trustee Powers and Actions

In carrying out the Kaupapa/Purposes of the Trust, Trustees have the powers:

Legal Representation
  • To be the repository of the collective Tino Rangatiratanga of Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri
  • To represent the collective interest of Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri and be the legal representative of Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri in relation to the collective interest
  • To make and pursue the settlement of claims on behalf and for the benefit of Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri under the provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975
  • To be the mandated iwi organisation for Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri, and to
  • Receive the assets (other than Settlement Quota and Income Shares) allocated and grants made to  Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri by Te Ohu Kaimoana Trustee Ltd or any subsidiary of Te Ohu Kai Moana Trustee Ltd:
  • Purchase ACE from Te Ohu Kai Moana Trustee Ltd; and
  • Perform the functions and duties conferred on it by the Maori Fisheries Act
Asset Management

To hold and manage the assets of the Trust as Kaitiaki of Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri for the benefit of all beneficiaries including:

  • Fisheries settlement assets.
  • Other assets.

Benefit Provision

To advance the social and cultural development of Ngati Mutunga o Wharekauri beneficiaries and distribute benefits directly or indirectly to beneficiaries, irrespective of where they may reside, when and where the Trust may decide.

Tikanga

To promote and preserve, protect and maintain the identity, mana, Tino Rangatiratanga, culture, history, traditions, arts and crafts, tikanga, te reo, and taonga tuku iho of Ngati Mutunga o Wharekauri.

Accountable to Beneficiaries

The Trust has strong Beneficiary controls and is open for all Ngati Mutunga o Wharekauri to register and participate. There is provision in the Deed for all registered beneficiaries to stand for election as a Trustee and / or vote to appoint Trustees for a three year term. The Trust is also required to provide an Annual Report, Audited Financial Statements, and an AGM for beneficiaries. Trust Deed changes are required to be approved by beneficiaries and there is also the ability to dispute matters of whakapapa and tikanga.

Kaunihera Kaumatua

The Ngati Mutunga o Wharekauri Trust also seeks the advice and guidance from the Kaunihera Kaumatua ( Council of Elders) on all matters pertaining to Whakapapa and Tikanga.