Our Mahi: Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee provides governance and leadership for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae.

Its role is to help guide the overall direction of the rūnanga, support decision-making, oversee key kaupapa, and ensure the organisation continues to act in the best interests of Ngāti Waewae whānau.

The Executive Committee helps carry the responsibility of representing whānau, protecting rūnanga interests, supporting the marae, and making sure decisions are made with accountability, transparency and tikanga.

This committee also supports the long-term vision of Ngāti Waewae, balancing the needs of today with the responsibilities we hold for future generations.

Executive Committee Members

Chairperson: Francois Tumahai
Deputy Chairperson: Hamiria Ngaamo
Secretary / Secretariat: Aleigha Ngaamo

Executive Members:

• Teena Henderson
• Lisa Tumahai
• Te Rua Mason
• Courtney Sargeant
• Joe Mason

Rangatahi Representatives:

• Henare Mason
• Aleigha Ngaamo

Komiti Mātauranga

The Komiti Mātauranga supports education, te reo Māori, tikanga and the sharing of Ngāti Waewae mātauranga.

Established in 2012 by the Executive Committee, the komiti was created to strengthen relationships with kura and education providers across the Ngāti Waewae takiwā, and to build the capability of whānau, hapū and community to deliver Ngāti Waewae mātauranga.

Its early members included Teena Henderson, Lisa Tumahai, Tangi Weepu, Ben Hutana, Joe Mason, Barbra Tainui, Violet Bradley, Papakura Tainui, Tihou Weepu and Te Whe Weepu, with Hamiria Hutana as facilitator.

Today, the komiti continues that mahi through wānanga, local resources, kura engagement, te reo Māori strategy, and kaupapa that help whānau and tamariki know who they are and where they come from.

A key part of this current mahi is led by Ariana Stevens, who chairs the komiti and supports the connection between Ngāti Waewae, kura, education providers and whānau. Through this work, Ngāti Waewae mātauranga is shared in ways that are useful, respectful and grounded in our own voice.

Komiti Mātauranga Members

Chair: Ariana Stevens

Members:

• Andrea Read
• Davida Simpson
• Jake Manera
• Maia Tonihi
• Shanita Whittle
• Jerry Pu

Marae Support Staff:

• Hamiria Ngaamo
• Miriama Johnsen
• Aleigha Ngaamo

Rangatahi Komiti

The Ngāti Waewae Rangatahi Komiti supports rangatahi voice, leadership and participation across Ngāti Waewae.

First formed informally in 2021, the komiti was formally established in December 2024 as a subcommittee of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae.

Its purpose is simple: to empower Ngāti Waewae rangatahi to be the best they can be by providing the resources, opportunities and support they need to succeed.

The komiti works to ensure Ngāti Waewae is a vibrant, inclusive and empowering community. A place where young people feel connected, valued and excited to be involved.

Its mahi includes representing rangatahi, promoting opportunities for participation, advising the Executive Committee on rangatahi matters, supporting youth-led kaupapa, and creating spaces for rangatahi to contribute to the future direction of Ngāti Waewae.

A key part of this mahi is Fusion, our school holiday programme based at Arahura Marae. What was once a space created for our tamariki has now become a platform led by rangatahi themselves. Through Fusion, rangatahi plan and deliver a week of mātauranga, adventure and fun for the next generation of Arahura Pā boys and girls.

Rangatahi Komiti Members

Chair: Aleigha Ngaamo

Members:

• Elly Mulholland
• Henare Mason
• Dani Tainui
• Brooke Parker
• Ani Mason
• Whakataerangi White
• Tonihi Paewhenua
• Alamein Meihana-Whittle

Rangatahi Mahi in Action

Rangatahi mahi is at the heart of our future. From Fusion and kapa haka to whānau events, wānanga and youth-led kaupapa, our rangatahi are not only participating, they are leading, teaching and creating spaces for the next generation.