The visionary aspirations of our kaumātua dreamed of a time when Whakatōhea determined our own economic future, pioneering initiatives in the aquaculture industry. Our history has led the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board to mobilise these aspirations through the management of fisheries assets and open sea farming off the coast of Ōpōtiki.
"Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua"
"Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead"
Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea: A New Era Begins
To continue the legacy of our kaumatua, and honor their foresight, we must act now to secure the journey to a brighter future for our iwi. The time has come for Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea to continue forward and be officially recognised as a mandated iwi organisation under the Māori Fisheries Act 2004 and an iwi aquaculture organisation under the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004. This recognition is set to replace the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board in these vital roles.
The Resolution That Will Shape the Future
The future of Whakatōhea fisheries and aquaculture is hanging in the balance. A resolution to recognise Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea as the new Mandated Iwi Authority / Iwi Aquaculture Organisation is required to be passed by 75% of the returned votes of registered adult tribal members. Moreover, settlement assets arising from the legislation will smoothly transfer to this organisation.
How your voice matters - Vote
A vote will take place to pass a resolution for Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea to become the new MIO/AIO for Whakatōhea. This is your chance to honor the aspirations of our kaumātua and continue the legacy they set in place for your whānau and the future of Whakatōhea.
The voting process is open to all who are registered on the tribal database. Whether you choose to cast your vote in person at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), by post, or on-line, your opinion will contribute to the future of Whakatōhea fisheries and aquaculture.
So, what's next?
Voting opens on 10th November and closes at 12pm 16th December. Keep an eye on updates, participate in voting, and let your voice be heard.
The future is bright for Whakatōhea - the opportunity to continue the legacy of our kaumātua is in our hands now. Stay tuned for more updates, and prepare to be part of an exciting journey towards a thriving future in Māori fisheries and aquaculture!
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