The key process for decision making in a tikanga Whanganui environment is Te Rūnanga o Te Awa Tupua. Note that this is a process of empowering collective hapū decision making rather than a body. The root word being runa: to gather.
The hapū of Whanganui have coexisted and cooperated for over a thousand years, due to common whakapapa, connectivity through Te Awa Tupua, and opportunities that maximise economic growth and political advancement. Te Rūnanga o Te Awa Tupua exists to facilitate this ongoing connection and cooperation today and was formally established in 1997.
The principal purpose of Te Rūnanga o Te Awa Tupua is to provide a forum for Whanganui hapū to:
Te Rūnanga o Te Awa Tupua is an inclusive forum and participation is open to all hapū and individuals of Whanganui Iwi. Each hapū decide who will speak on their behalf.
To view the Te Rūnanga o Te Awa Tupua terms of reference please click the button below.
Te Rūnanga o Te Awa Tupua meets quarterly. Below are the dates for 2023
| Date | Venue |
| 18 February 2023 | Rākato,1 Poutama Road, Papaiti, Whanganui |
| 13 May 2023 | Hinengākau - venue to be confirmed |
| 12 August 2023 | Rānana Marae, Whanganui River Road |
| 11 November 2023 | TBC |
The Annual Raukotahi Rangtahi Summit is held in the second week of the July school holidays each year and provides an opportunity for Whanganui Rangatahi aged 13-18 years old mai Te Kahui Maunga ki Tangaroa, both living at home and outside of the rohe to come together to get to know each other and themselves in relation to their Whanganuitanga.
To find out more about this kaupapa head to the Raukotahi Whanganui Facebook page via the link below.
Raukotahi Whanganui Facebook page
Do you whakapapa to the Whanganui River? Would you and your whānau like to be registered on the Whanganui Iwi Database? What does that mean?
It means that you get sent pānui and updates on kaupapa related to the Whanganui River and Te Awa Tupua, the people and the river from the Mountains to the Sea. You can also apply for the different grants that are advertised on our website and facebook page.
If you are already on the database and need to up date your details please head to the database or send us an email at office@ngatangatatiaki.co.nz