Established in 1926, the Board has cared for Taupō Waters for the benefit of present and future generations of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. The milestones below highlight key decisions, agreements, and court findings that shape our role today.
The Board was established under the Māori Land Amendment Act 1924 and the Māori Land Claims Adjustment Act 1926.
Appointed on 15 November 1926. Members: Hoani Te Heuheu (Tūkino VI), Pau Mariu, Kahu Te Kuru, Paora Rokino, Pitiroi Mohi, Taite Te Tomo, Takinga, Arthur Grace, Werihe Te Tuiri.
Held at Tokaanu on 24 November 1926. Hoani Te Heuheu was elected Chair. Puataata Alfred Grace became Secretary.
The Board became a statutory entity under the Māori Purposes Act 1931.
The Board is currently constituted by the Māori Trust Boards Act 1955.
Under the leadership of Ariki Sir Hepi Te Heuheu, the Crown returned Taupō Waters to the Board for the benefit of present and future generations of Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
In December 1999, title to the beds of several rivers and streams flowing into Lake Taupō transferred from the Crown to Ngāti Tūwharetoa through the Board.
Includes the Tongariro River and major parts of Waihora, Waihaha, Whanganui, Whareroa, Kuratau, Poutu, Waimarino, Tauranga-Taupō, Waipehi, Waiotaka, Hinemaiaia, and Waitahanui.
Under Ariki Sir Tumu Te Heuheu, a 2007 Deed enhanced the 1992 arrangements and reaffirmed full ownership rights in Taupō Waters.
In line with the 1992 Deed, the Māori Land Court vested the following blocks as Māori freehold land, Taupo Nui A Tia, Te Awa o Waikato ki Te Toka o Tia, and Te Hokinga Mai o Te Papa o Ngā Awa ki Te Poari hei Kaitiaki o Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
On 17 January 2009, Council granted Ngāti Tūwharetoa decision-making powers in resource consent decisions. This was the first time a New Zealand local authority transferred such powers to an iwi.
The agreement was finalised at Tapeka Marae in Waihi Village. Mayor Rick Cooper signed alongside Dr Tumu Te Heuheu. New Zealand Governor-General Anand Satyanand witnessed the proceedings.
On 22 May 2018, the parties marked a landmark addition to their agreement to work closely over Taupō Waters.
The scope includes Lake Taupō and the tributaries flowing into and out of the lake. The earlier agreement addressed only the upper Waikato River catchment.
On behalf of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, the Board became the first iwi authority in Aotearoa to receive water monitoring functions from Waikato Regional Council under section 33 of the Resource Management Act 1991.
On 23 July 2021, the High Court confirmed the property rights of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. The decision affirmed the Board’s ability to require commercial users to obtain rights to occupy or use parts of the lake for commercial activity, and to charge for that use.
