Historic formation of the Ngātokoerua Strategic Advisory Committee

An important milestone for the forests and conservation lands of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua (TKoW) whānau has been reached with the inaugural hui of the Ngātokoerua Strategic Advisory Committee.

The co-management group has been established under the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Act 2025, recognising the deep cultural, historical and environmental significance of the area to the iwi of Tamakana, Uenuku and Tamahaki.

The Minister of Conservation formally appointed members nominated by both TKoW and the Crown.

Kurataiaha (Kura) Wanikau-Tūroa and Hayden Tūroa were nominated by the TKoW Board, while the Department of Conservation’s Central North Island Operations Director Damien Coutts and Whanganui District Operations Manager Sandy Woodhead were appointed as Crown representatives.

Mr Wanikau-Tūroa said the formation of the committee signalled an exciting opportunity for whānau to work in partnership with the Department across the management of conservation lands between Waimarino and Horopito.

“This is a momentous occasion for our iwi.

“After 150 years of being labelled as rebels, and our tūpuna fighting so hard for our settlement, we are now visible again on our lands in a meaningful relationship with the Department of Conservation.

“For me personally, I remember those who walked this journey before us, those who helped create where we are today as iwi and as whānau. I acknowledge and salute them.

“The taonga they spoke of the whio, kiwi, pekapeka, dactylanthus, and our waterways, will be held in the highest esteem on our whenua, forever.”

At its first meeting, the committee unanimously appointed Mr Wanikau-Tūroa as Chair.

He said the establishment of the group represents an important step forward for the iwi.

“For our whānau of Tamahaki, Tamakana and Uenuku, this moment carries deep historical meaning.

“The return of visibility and responsibility for these forests reconnects our people to places of ancestral significance, including the nearby kāinga of my tūpuna, Te Peehi Tūroa.

“It is also a time to acknowledge those who are not here to witness this day.

“I think of Baldy Haitana, Boy Cribb, Geraldine Taurerewa and the many others who walked this path for many years.

“The legacy they leave will guide us as we work to ensure our ngahere and awa continue to flourish for future generations.”

Members of the Ngātokoerua Strategic Advisory Committee, from right, Te Korowai o Wainuiārua representatives Hayden Tūroa and Kurataiaha (Kura) Wanikau-Tūroa was joined by the Department of Conservation’s Central North Island Operations Director Damien Coutts and Statutory Manager – Central North Island Karen Rainbow beginning their inaugural hui under the shadow of Te Pou Tipua o Tūroa at Waimarino (absent was Whanganui District Operations Manager Sandy Woodhead).