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 2019-2020
| Date | Venue |
| 8th February 2020 | Matahiwi Marae, Whanganui River |
| 9th May 2020 | TBC |
| 8th August 2020 | TBC |
| 14th November 2020 | 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
Have you and your whānau registered for the Whanganui Iwi Registration?
And are your details up to date?