38 | Trust focused on long-term benefits T Sue Russell The maintenance and establishment of places of cultural and spiritual significance to Ngāti Hauā is an important function of the Trust, along with the promotion of health, care for the aged, and all in its wider community. Matamata Piako - Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Overseeing the many arms of activity of East Waikato’s Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust and ensuring strategic goals are achieved is a passion for Lisa Gardiner, who has worked for the Trust since 2013. Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust currently comprises five members appointed by each respective Marae and led by Chairperson Mokoro Gillett. The Trust meets several times each year. Initially involved in settlement negotiations with the Crown, Lisa says it is extremely exciting and challenging to be part of steering the Iwi’s aspirations into the future. “We have a commercial arm with a managing director and their role is to generate income streams to support the social and cultural endeavours of the Trust in supporting its people,” Lisa explains. While the commercial activities also focus on employment of tribal members Lisa acknowledges the way the Iwi organisation is structured works very well. “We have a long-term strategic plan which guides our core purposes which have come about from consultation within our tribe going back to 2016 where we held several hui in various parts of the country. “These laid down the long-term goals the Trust is responsible for pursuing across cultural, educational and environmental aspirations.” The maintenance and establishment of places of cultural and spiritual significance to Ngāti Hauā is an important function of the Trust, along with the promotion of health, care for the aged and those suffering mental or physical sickness or disability. The Trust’s investment portfolio has been carefully balanced to ensure a regular flow of income and long-term financial gain, with approximately 60% of funds invested in lowrisk incomes assets, such as short-term fixed interest investments and Crown leases with the balance invested in global shares and property. “One of the really exciting strategic thrusts is our education and training strategy. “In partnership with the Ministry of Social Development we are actively engaged in supporting 18-30 year old members to gain worthwhile, practical skills to support their future employment.” Ngāti Hauā’s rohe (territory) extends over a large part of eastern Waikato, including the Waikato side of the Kaimai Range, Matamata, Cambridge, Morrinsville, Horotiu and Maungatautari. The trust’s headquarters is based in Morrinsville. One critical investment of late has been the establishment of a blueberry orchard, on Maungatapu D4 land situated at Roache Rd, Morrinsville. “We just had our first harvest last year, so that’s really exciting for us, to see opportunities like this creating worthwhile employment for our young people and to be engaging in a commercial activity on our land that has such a bright future.” And while there are always challenges, Lisa says, looking back on the journey and achievements since settlement, the path has been relatively smooth. Even with the Covid pandemic last year, life and work on the blueberry orchard was not impacted. Last year the Trust reported significant a $1.2m growth in revenue - a 51% increase on the previous year - largely attributed to capital appreciation. Lisa says the Iwi’s strong financial foundation and its potential to deliver really substantial long-term benefits to its members is something of which the Trust, and those working for it and in the commercial sphere, are especially proud. T Culture at the core - page 40 “We have a long-term strategic plan which guides our core purposes which have come about from consultation within our tribe going back to 2016 where we held several hui in various parts of the country.” First in the Southern Hemisphere • Outdoor, Rough Terrain Electric Rough Terrain Forklift Electric Rough Terrain Forklift hire@hanes.co.nz | www.hanes.co.nz | 027 570 4450
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