Tūwharetoa identity
Strengthening reo, reo o te taiao, pepeha and whakapapa connections.
Tū Whare Taiao
Tū Whare Taiao
About Tū Whare Taiao
After more than 10 years, Tū Whare Taiao is returning to Ngāti Tūwharetoa. This kaupapa provides meaningful opportunities for Tūwharetoa rangatahi to connect with te taiao, mātauranga, whakapapa and te reo.
Through these experiences, rangatahi can develop leadership skills, support their wellbeing, and grow in their Tūwharetoatanga.
The programme is guided by the following aspirations
Mātauranga
Learning local stories, taiao practices, and the significance of awa, moana, maunga and ngahere within our rohe.
Skills and experience
Providing hands-on, practical learning through te taiao.
Leadership
Building confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Hauora
Supporting balanced wellbeing through Te Whare Tapa Whā.
Governance policy and legislation
Helping rangatahi understand governance structures, legislation, and how their voices and mātauranga can contribute to decision-making.
Over a series of four wānanga, rangatahi will be supported to grow their confidence, strengthen their sense of identity and develop the knowledge, skills and responsibility needed to become future kaitiaki and leaders.
If you are a rangatahi aged 15–20, this is for you!
Wānanga dates
After more than 10 years, Tū Whare Taiao is returning to Ngāti Tūwharetoa. The programme gives Tūwharetoa rangatahi opportunities to connect with te taiao, mātauranga, whakapapa and te reo.
| Wānanga | Dates |
| Wānanga 1 | 6–9 October 2026 |
| Wānanga 2 | 11–15 January 2027 |
| Wānanga 3 | 19–23 April 2027 |
| Wānanga 4 | 12–16 July 2027 |
Eligibility
To be eligible for Tū Whare Taiao, applicants must:
- Be 15–20 years old at the time of applying.
- Have Tūwharetoa whakapapa.
- Have a genuine interest in te taiao and a commitment to giving back to Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
- Be able to commit to the required wānanga and programme activities.
- If under 18, have parental or legal guardian consent.
Note: You do not need to be a beneficiary of the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board. Applicants will be asked to provide their Tūwharetoa whakapapa as part of the application.
Places & representation
There are 30 places available. To ensure fair opportunity and representation across Tūwharetoa whānui, there will be dedicated places for uri from these regions:
- Te Mataapuna
- Hauāuru (Western Bays)
- Te Hikuwai
- Te Haroto
- Tongariro
- Taumarunui
- Kawerau
- Tokorangi
- Moawhango
Preference will be given to rangatahi who demonstrate a strong connection to Tūwharetoa, a genuine interest in te taiao, can commit fully to participate and contribute to the programme.