Muaūpoko Tribal Authority Inc.

06/08/2026

📢 Are you registered with Muaūpoko?

Staying connected starts with making sure your registration details are up to date.

By registering with Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, you'll receive:
🌿 Important pānui and iwi updates
📅 Information about upcoming hui and events
🤝 Opportunities to participate in iwi initiatives
❤️ A stronger connection with your whānau and iwi

Whether you're registering for the first time or updating your details after moving house or changing your contact information, it's quick and easy to do online.

Register today and help us keep our whānau connected and informed.

👉 Register now: www.muaupoko.iwi.nz/register

04/08/2026

MEDIA RELEASE

📢 Muaūpoko strongly rejects attempted rewrite of history by NZ Māori Council Pou 📢

Muaūpoko join with our Kurahaupō whãnau - Rangitāne ki Manawatū, Ngāti Apa and Ngāti Wairiki - in refuting the recent statement from Tā Taihākurei Durie on his NZ Māori Council platform.

On the face of it, the statement talks about tikanga and how this should be applied to a re-evaluation of traditional rights and interests over Muaūpoko, Rangitāne ki Manawatū, Ngāti Apa and Ngāti Wairiki and Ngāti Raukawa people, wai and whenua. However, within this tikanga argument, he asserts that our ancestors had no mana to make decisions about the wai and whenua. He asserts this mana was taken by Ngāti Toa following a battle on Kapiti Island in 1824, and given to Ngāti Raukawa when they arrived on the coast, years later.

However, as representatives of the descendants of the Kurahaupō waka, we stand together to reaffirm that the correct tikanga of the time was peace making and containment of tangata heke. Muaūpoko, Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Wairiki, and Rangitāne ki Manawatū did not leave and were not conquered.

Our ancestors were resilient and determined in the face of many challenges that came with colonisation and movement of musket-wielding tribes to the region. They stood in their own mana and navigated what was before them to ensure the ongoing independence of our whānau, hapū and iwi.

We believe that the website of a statutory organisation representing all Maori should not be used to advance a theory about tikanga which denigrates one group of iwi over another. This is especially important while that issue is being considered by a quasi-judicial body like the Waitangi Tribunal. It is also very concerning that the Pou of the NZ Maori Council, a former chair of the Tribunal and High Court Judge, who has a personal interest in the outcome of the case, is using the website to advance this highly contested view.

Muaūpoko outright reject Tā Taihākurei Durie’s claim that Ngāti Raukawa at any time exercised full mana and authority over Muaūpoko people, our wai and our whenua. While we understand the challenges that come with preparing for and executing a Treaty settlement with the Crown, we will always protect our whakapapa and uphold the mana of our tīpuna when it is publicly challenged, and this must never come at the expense of rewriting history to suit others.

Whakahono kia tu kaha. Muaūpoko.
Toitū Kurahaupo ake, ake!

ENDS

➡️ The article from Tā Taihākurei Durie https://www.nzmaoricouncil.org/featured/t-taihkurei-wero-to-tribunal

03/08/2026

Have you enrolled to vote?

Muaūpoko Tribal Authority is hosting Elections New Zealand over the next three days, providing an opportunity for our whānau and hapori to enrol to vote or update their enrolment details ahead of this year’s General Election.

📅 Tuesday – Thursday
🕙 10.00am – 3.00pm
📍 Muaūpoko Tribal Authority – 306 Oxford Street, Taitoko/Levin

Whether you’re enrolling for the first time, have recently moved, or simply want to check your details are up to date, Elections New Zealand kaimahi will be available to help.

Being enrolled helps ensure you’re ready to participate when the time comes to vote.

If transport is a barrier, we’re here to help! Pick-up and drop-off available for whānau. Contact Muaūpoko Tribal Authority on 06 367-3311to arrange transport.

We warmly welcome our hapori to drop in if they need assistance with their enrolment.

29/07/2026

Media Release -
Community Grants and Funding Round 1 opens 1 August. Support available for local ideas - 30 July 2026
Community groups, creatives and local organisations across Horowhenua are encouraged to start thinking about their next project, with applications for Community Grants and Funding Round 1 opening on 1 August 2026.

Community Grants support a wide range of community led initiatives, including events, creative projects, youth led ideas, environmental initiatives and projects that strengthen community connection and wellbeing. We also fund small assets, along with administrative and operational costs to help community groups focus on delivering their core services.

Mayor Bernie Wanden says the programme is about backing the people who are already doing the work in their communities.
“Horowhenua is full of people who see something that could be better and just get on with making it happen. These grants exist so a lack of funding does not have to be the reason a good idea does not go anywhere.

“Every year I get to see what these grants make possible, from new equipment for local clubs to events that bring the whole community together, and that is something worth backing. Round 1 is the first chance this year to put a project forward, and I would encourage anyone with an idea, big or small, to apply.”

Previous funding rounds have supported projects right across the district, from community events and cultural festivals to creative performances, exhibitions and improvements to local facilities.
To help make the application process as straightforward as possible, Council is hosting a series of drop-in support sessions where people can ask questions, talk through their ideas and get one on one help with their applications.
Julia Atkins, Community Development Team Lead, says the sessions are there to make sure the process itself is never the reason someone does not apply.

“You don’t need a finished application to come along. Bring your idea and we will help you work out which fund to apply for and answer any questions you might have.
“We hear from people every round who assumed their project was too small, or too different from what has been funded before. That is rarely the case. If you are not sure that your project meets the criteria, come along to a session or get in touch, and we can talk it through together.”

Community Grants Drop-in Sessions:

Taitoko (Levin) - Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō
Tuesday 4 August, 10am to 11.30am
Tuesday 25 August, 3pm to 4pm

Te Awahau (Foxton) - Nieuwe Stroom Library
Wednesday 5 August, 11am to 12.30pm

Shannon Library
Wednesday 12 August, 1pm to 2pm
Applications open on 1 August 2026 and most funds close on 31 August 2026.

A range of grants are available in this funding round, each supporting different aspects of community wellbeing.
Grants open now and closing 31 August 2026:
• Community Events and Programmes Grant
• Operations and Small Assets Grant
• Rural Halls Grant
• Waste Minimisation Grant

Grants open now and closing 10 September 2026:
• Creative Communities Scheme
• Shannon Community Development Grant

Also open:
• Horowhenua Major Events Fund, open year-round and closes once the fund is fully allocated
• Youth Empowerment Fund, open throughout the school year from 1 February to 31 October 2026
More information, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, is available at horowhenua.govt.nz/grants.
For help or advice, contact [email protected] or call 06 366 0999.

27/07/2026

FREE HAUORA CLINIC | WALK-INS WELCOME!

Nau mai e te whānau!

Need a health check or looking to connect with local health and wellbeing services? Come along to our FREE Hauora Clinic at Muaūpoko Tribal Authority.

📅 Wednesday 29 July
🕙 10.00am – 2.00pm
📍 Muaūpoko Tribal Authority
308 Oxford Street, Taitoko/Levin

No appointments needed – just walk in!

A range of FREE services and support will be available, including:
🧠 Mental Health & Addiction Support
🏠 Healthy Homes Referrals
✂️ Haircuts
❤️ Whānau Ora Navigation
🚭 Quit Smoking Support
🩻 Cancer Screening Information
…and more!

🚐 Need a ride?
Give us a call on (06) 367 3311 to arrange a pick-up or drop-off.

Bring yourself, bring your whānau, enjoy some kai and kōrero, and take the opportunity to look after your hauora.

26/07/2026

📢 Pānui | Phone Line Update

Tēnā tātou e te whānau,

Our phone is back online.

If you need to get in touch with us at the whare, please call us on 📞0636-73311.

We appreciate your patience and understanding, and apologise for any inconvenience.

Ngā mihi,
Muaūpoko Tribal Authority

Call now to connect with business.

19/07/2026

Kia ora e te whānau,
RANGATAHI SUMMER INTERN OPPORTUNITY
Muaūpoko Tribal Authority as project partners in the Te Pae o Tararua – Ōtaki to North Levin (Ō2NL) new highway project are delighted to offer 2 Summer interns for Muaūpoko rangatahi studying in the STEMM (Science, technology, engingeering, maths and/or mātauranga Māori) field.
The internships are intended for rangatahi already underway in their studies to help shape career interest, focus study, and give exposure to a range of ideas and experiences.
Successful placements will be based on individuals study area of interest, and ability to accommodate within the relevant project discipline.
Criteria:
• Whānau and applicant must be a registered member of Muaūpoko iwi
• Applicant must be studying in the STEMM field (Science, technology, engingeering, maths and/or mātauranga Māori) and have completed their first or second year of related university level qualification, or have completed year 13 and be enrolled to attend university in 2027 in the STEMM field
• Applicant must be available November 2026 to February 2027 to be based in Taitoko/Levin. Internship will cover 12 weeks over this time
• Applicant must have completed the application process outlined below
• Applicants must be able to pass a drug test and have a full clean drivers licence and use of own vehicle
Applications must include the following:
• Introduction – introduce yourself, your university, major, and current academic year (or plans for university 2027)
• Muaūpoko – share why securing an internship through your iwi and in part, working with your iwi is important to you. Include any involvement you have had with Muaūpoko to date.
• The Te Pae o Tararua – Ō2NL project provides a far-reaching platform of opportunity – please share the discipline area of interest to you, ie Engineering, environmental, ecology
• Highlight relevant skills and experience – detail any specific skills or casework which align with the internship. Share any extracurricular activities which you do which could support your success as an intern.
• Anything else you would like to share which you think is important we know.
What’s in it for you?
• Chance to connect with and be part of your iwi through a mahi experience
• Experience and exposure to both Muaūpoko and a nationally significant project
• Competitive summer pay
Next steps:
• Please send your completed application to Muaūpoko Tribal Authority email [email protected], Attention: Jenny
Please note, there will likely be future internship opportunities directly with the Te Pae o Tararua – Ō2NL project where interns will be employed directly by project participants. This internship is a hybrid opportunity where interns can be connected to both Muaūpoko and the project.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2026 AND SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY FRIDAY 28 AUGUST 2026
We look forward to hearing from you.

17/07/2026

Whakakapi | Waitangi Tribunal Hearings

As the Waitangi Tribunal hearings in Papaioea come to an end, we acknowledge everyone who contributed, attended, supported, and followed this significant moment in the history of Muaūpoko.

I rangona ngā reo o tō tātou iwi. I whakapuakina ngā kōrero tuku iho, ngā whakapapa, ngā whakaaro, me ngā wheako kua roa e kawea ana e ngā whānau. I rangona hoki ngā kōrero mō ngā pānga o ngā mahi a te Karauna ki runga i a Muaūpoko, me te mamae kua kawea e ngā whakatipuranga.

This week evoked a range of emotions, moments of hope, happiness, reflection, and heaviness. It was a time of listening, learning, reconnecting with our whakapapa, and gaining a deeper appreciation of the rich history, resilience, and identity of Muaūpoko.

He wiki i whakakotahi i te tini o Muaūpoko.

We also acknowledge the many whānau who attended throughout the week, whether in person or online. Your presence and support demonstrates the importance of these kōrero, not only for today, but for the generations who will follow.

Ehara tēnei i te mutunga o te haerenga. He wāhanga noa iho tēnei o te ara roa e whai tonu nei a Muaūpoko ki te tiaki, ki te whakamana, ki te tuku iho i ā tātou kōrero.

Whakahono. Kia Tū Kaha, Muaūpoko.

16/07/2026

Ngā Whakawā a Te Rōpū Whakamana i te Tiriti

5️⃣ Kua tae ki te Rā Tuarima, arā, te rā whakamutunga o tēnei wāhanga o ngā whakawā ki Papaioea.

The Tribunal will hear final Muaūpoko presentation/s this morning, followed by closing submissions from counsel. The hearings are expected to conclude around midday.

If you're unable to attend in person for the last day, you can still follow the proceedings via the livestream.

📺 Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/OQqUyDze_3c?feature=share

Ngā mihi nui ki ngā kaikōrero, ngā kaitautoko, me ngā whānau katoa kua tautoko i tēnei kaupapa nui i roto i te wiki.

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16/07/2026

I te Rā Tuawhā o ngā whakawā, i aro ngā whakahaere ki ngā whakawhiti pātai, arā, i tuku pātai ngā rōia mō Muaūpoko ki ngā kaiwhakaatu i te haere tonu o ngā whakawā.

I taua wā anō, i tū tētahi kaupapa whakahirahira ki Taitoko, i te hokinga mai o Kurahaupō Waka i Wairarapa ki Kohutūroa Marae.

I whakatauahia a Kurahaupō Waka ki Kohutūroa Marae e ngā uri o ngā hapū o Muaūpoko, me ngā uri o Ngāti Apa me Rangitāne. He wā whakahirahira tēnei hei whakanui i a Kurahaupō, i te whakapapa tahi, me ngā hononga tuku iho e mau tonu nei i waenganui i ō tātou iwi.

Ngā mihi nui ki ngā whānau i tautoko i ngā kaupapa e rua i tēnei rā.

Tō ake nei au i taku waka e.