Description

Ngāti Tahu and Ngāti Whaoa cover the tribal area from Te Waiheke o Huka (Huka Falls) to the south, extending east to the pou whenua of Ngapuketerua beyond the Rangitaiki River, then northward across the plains of Kaingaroa to Wairapukao and further on to Pekepeke. From there the area extends to the northern pou whenua at Maunga Kakaramea, turning west to the Paeroa Range and on to Orakei Korako on the banks of the Waikato River, the birthplace and principal papakainga of Ngāti Tahu – Ngāti Whaoa. From Orakei Korako we extend further west to Pohaturoa (Atiamuri).

Ngāti Tahu – Ngāti Whaoa Rūnanga Trust (The Trust) is a mandated tribal authority empowered in-part to address the social, cultural, health, education, employment, spiritual and environmental needs of the iwi within their tribal boundaries and beyond. The Trust through their Social, Health, Education and Employment portfolio offer many programmes and projects to further the aspirations of the people of Ngāti Tahu – Ngāti Whaoa.

As an iwi, Ngāti Tahu – Ngāti Whaoa have had their share of suicide and self-harm incidents. This project is a proactive response, it is also an iwi response and model of suicide pre/postvention that is focused in, around and for their whānau.

This project aligns with Goal 1 of the Waka Hourua Outcome Framework:

• Informed, cohesive & resilient communities.