Bridging the gap for mātāwaka
Led by Te Matarau a Māui in collaboration with Ngāti Pōneke, this initiative recognises that while many Māori in the region whakapapa to iwi outside the rohe, they live, work, and raise whānau here and their aspirations deserve to be seen, heard, and supported.
Through wānanga, hui, and place-based collaboration, the initiative provides urban Māori with meaningful pathways to economic development, cultural belonging, and regional influence. It opens doors to services, enterprise support, and kaupapa that reflect the realities and ambitions of our diverse Māori population.
At the heart of the initiative is the recognition that systems of support are often iwi-based and that urban Māori are frequently overlooked in regional planning. This kaupapa helps to bridge that gap, creating inclusive, mana-enhancing spaces for mātāwaka to contribute to the Māori economy and thrive.
Connection, equity, and possibility
The initiative began with a foundational wānanga hosted at Ngāti Pōneke and continues through one-on-one engagement with taurahere groups, celebrating the diversity of iwi affiliations represented in the region. A strategic regional hui at Pipitea Marae brings all of these voices together, fostering unity, shared strategy, and collaboration toward a thriving
future.
Through this mahi, Te Matarau a Māui is developing new pathways tailored to mātāwaka needs, including access to business mentoring, innovation support, workforce development, and opportunities in climate resilience, procurement, and creative industries.
Guided by kaupapa tuku iho, the Mātāwaka Engagement Initiative centres manaakitanga, kotahitanga, rangatiratanga and whakapapa. It supports urban Māori to participate fully in the region’s Māori economic future, not as outsiders, but as whānau. It’s about recognising that every Māori voice matters, and every whakapapa has a place in shaping the future of Te Ūpoko o Te Ika.
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