For Waikato-Tainui, serving the Kiingitanga, strengthening our bonds as a people, protecting our settlement rights and caring for our sites of significance is ongoing.

Our Whakatupuranga 2050 goals are: 

As kaitiaki of the Kiingitanga we are proud that this historic movement continues strongly as a symbol of Maaori unity – mana Maaori motuhake. Our tribal commitment to the Kiingitanga Movement, the principles upon which it is founded, and its unifying force remain unyielding and enduring.

Our iwi membership continues to grow with over 70,000 members now on the register. As a result of our iwi growth and increasing engagement from members the registry system has been upgraded with some new and exciting functionality. Not only will the new system improve the online experience for iwi members and provide more ways to connect and engage, a milestone has been achieved enabling for the first time online Registrations and Grant applications and the ability for members to update their own information.

Work also continues with outstanding claims and the protection of our settlement claims rights. The return of Rangiriri Paa and Te Wheoro Historical Reserve in August 2016 began the healing of a mamae more than 150 years old. I riro whenua atu, me hoki whenua mai – as land was taken, so land should be returned. Our whenua tupuna has come home and now we look forward to the restoration project being completed and to holding fast to the whenua so that it shall never again be lost.

Preservation of our sites of significance is also evident with our Taupiri Maunga Project. Stabilisation works and vibration and soil movement monitoring have been undertaken on the maunga along with the erection of retaining walls. Other initiatives undertaken are grave digging waananga, rubbish clearance, planting projects, and health and safety awareness.