Te Tūmatakahuki and council partnership strengthens community ties

Te Tūmatakahuki chair Shane Royal signs the partnership agreement while co-chair Reihana Adlam and mayor Bernie Wanden acknowledge the moment with a hongi.

A recent ceremony has recognised a formal partnership between the council and local iwi.

On Friday, December 13, Horowhenua District Council and combined hapū group Te Tūmatakahuki signed a partnership agreement at the Foxton War Memorial Hall.

Te Tūmatakahuki is named after the foundational stitch in tukutuku weaving, symbolising balance, precision, and the first step that ensures alignment.

It represents the collective voice of 12 hapū of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, with ancestral connections to the land and waterways of Horowhenua.

These hapū are Ngāti Tūranga, Ngāti Rakau, Ngāti Te Au, Ngāti Takihiku, Ngāti Ngarongo, Ngāti Whakatere, Ngāti Pareraukawa, Ngāti Huia ki Poroutawhao, Ngāti Huia ki Matau, Ngāti Kikopiri, Ngāti Hikitanga, and Ngāti Wehi Wehi.

Te Rōpu Haka o Te Awahou lead a powerful haka while Whaea Anne Watson signs the partnership agreement.

Te Tūmatakahuki chair Shane Royal said the 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 chief executive David Clapperton were also recognised.

Current mayor Bernie Wanden acknowledged the passing of Kui Piki McFadyen, a dedicated mareikura and beloved member of the Horowhenua community.

Recently honoured with a Civic Award alongside Whaea Anne Watson and Sissiel Henderson for their extraordinary contributions, Kui Piki and her legacy of service continues to inspire the community.

“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”.

Te Rōpu Haka o Te Awahou performed kapa haka.

All in attendance – including rangatahi, kaumatua, hapū members, and community leaders – shared a collective moment of respect and commitment by signing the partnership agreement.

This act symbolised the breath of life, embodying the mauri of all, who are committed to strengthening the partnership between hapū and the council.

It reflected a shared dedication to fostering a united future, guided by mutual respect and a collective vision for the generations to come.