NGĀTI TŪWHARETOA
GENESIS ENERGY COMMITTEE
KO WAI MATOU
OVERVIEW
KEY
CHAIRMANS REPORT
ANNUAL REVIEW
APPLICATION SNAPSHOT
FINANCIAL REPORT
PROPOSED BUDGET 25-26
GRANT RECIPIENTS HIGHLIGHTS
KO WAI MATOU
TŪWHARETOA REPRESENTATITVES
Chair Te Ngaehe Wanikau
Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kurauia, Ngāti Turangitukua & Ngāti Turumakina
Heemi Biddle
Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kurauia, Ngāti Turangitukua & Ngāti Turumakina
Marie Hartley
Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Turangitukua, Ngāti Tutemohuta & Ngāti Tutetawha
NGA KAIWHAKARITE
Manaia Blaikie
Ngati Turumakina, Ngati Kurauia, Ngati Turangitukua
HE HOROPAKI
OVERVIEW
In 2000, following kōrero between Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Genesis Energy, an agreement was signed to recognise and mitigate the long-term effects of the Tongariro Power Development Scheme (TPDS) on our whenua, wai, and people. As part of this agreement, the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Genesis Energy Committee (NTGEC) was established to manage and distribute mitigation funding on behalf of the iwi.
Today, NTGEC continues to uphold this responsibility by supporting a wide range of initiatives across the rohe. The Committee provides funding for environmental restoration, marae infrastructure, cultural sustainability, rangatahi development, education, health, and sporting opportunities.
KEY OBJECTIVES
Protect the taiao and wāhi tapu through environmental, cultural and scientific projects connected to the Tongariro Power Scheme.
Strengthen kaitiakitanga by ensuring Ngāti Tūwharetoa are active guardians of our whenua and wai.
Grow our rangatahi through education, health and wellbeing initiatives that build future leaders.
Involve iwi and hapū in monitoring by maximising participation in TPS consent processes and sharing results transparently.
Promote global awareness by connecting Tūwharetoa to international kaupapa on indigenous roles in hydro development.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
HE MIHI AROHA
Ka piki wairua koe ki te whakaminenga, ka tirotiro whakamuri ki te turanga ai tua i te Kopu a Kanapanapa, ki te whare rangatira o Te Heuheu. Nona te karangatanga i ōna mokopuna, ruia taitea, ruia taitea.
Ka tangi te iwi
Ka tangi ngā hapū
Kua ngaro atu to tātou Ariki tuawaru na Te Heuheu reanga
CHAIR’S REPORT
On behalf of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa – Genesis Energy Committee, it is both an honour and a privilege to present this annual report for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, reflecting the collective efforts and aspirations of our hapū and whānau.
This report highlights the applications and kaupapa that the Committee has supported during the year.
NGĀ WHAKAATŪRANGA
My first acknowledgment is to you all – the hapū and whānau of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. Your proposals and initiatives continue to contribute greatly to the cultural, social, sporting, educational, and environmental well-being of our iwi.
I also extend my sincere appreciation to our committee members and our administration team for their tireless commitment. Many hours have been invested into strengthening our systems and refining our processes, ensuring that our hapū and whānau can more easily access the support that is available.
NGĀ WHAKANUITANGA
2024–2025
• Waitangi ki Turangitukua: A vibrant community event held at Te Kapua Park, Tūrangi, bringing together whānau, iwi, community groups and pakihi Māori for a day of reflection, entertainment, and whakawhanaungatanga.
• Ahshae Konui-Tulloch: A talented young athlete whose journey in rugby league has been enabled through support with travel and participation costs, allowing her to represent teams at regional and national levels.
• Taikura haerenga ki Te Papa: An intergenerational trip celebrating cultural connection and knowledge sharing (awaiting kōrero and images).
In addition, several significant hapū and whānau projects were supported:
Otukou Marae Roof Repairs (Nina Parker)
Whanganui Pa Site Project (Hohua Diamond)
Pukawa Marae Kitchen Upgrades (Dave Potaka)
Ruia Taitea Festival (Trish Otimi)
Kaumātua Lunch
Tūwharetoa Māori Rugby League Teams across multiple age groups:
• Mixed U10, U11 & U12
• Tama U13s
• Kotiro U13s
• Tama U14s
• Tama U15s
• Wahine Team
• Tupara Tupara (Individual –Tuakana Tournament)
$154,260.50
$37,000.00
$40,988.61
$50,000.00
$17,500.00
$53,000.00
KUPU WHAKAKAPI
We remain committed to upholding the purpose of this fund;
“Mā koutou te pūtea nei, mā mātou hei awhi – This is your pūtea, we are here to support you.”
We look forward to another year of working alongside whānau and hapū to strengthen the wellbeing and future of Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Te Ngaehe Wanikau
Chairman Ngāti Tūwharetoa – Genesis Energy Committee
ANNUAL REVIEW
PROTECTING THE TAIAO
Wairehu Stream Restoration
A major restoration kaupapa is underway at Wairehu Stream, with $120,000 invested to protect and enhance this important waterway. The project includes riparian planting, weed and pest control, and ongoing care to restore the mauri of the stream. This mahi strengthens the health of the taiao and supports native species to thrive, ensuring Wairehu remains a living treasure for future generations
Te Mahere Kaitiaki o Ngāti Kurauia
Ngāti Kurauia are leading the development of their own kaitiaki management plan, supported with $127,934. The plan sets out how the hapū will exercise kaitiakitanga across their whenua and wai, guiding restoration, monitoring, and future decisionmaking. This kaupapa ensures Ngāti Kurauia’s values and tikanga remain at the heart of how the environment is protected and sustained.
SUPPORTING MARAE SUSTAINABILITY
$232,249 was committed to marae infrastructure, including roof repairs at Ōtūkou Marae and upgrades at Whanganui Bay Marae. A further $304,000 was distributed through the Special Marae Grant, helping marae across the rohe maintain their facilities and continue providing manaakitanga for whānau and hapū.
STRENGTHENING WHĀNAU AND HAPŪ WELLBEING
NTGEC supported iwi-wide events with $97,500, funding kaupapa such as Waitangi ki Tūrangitukua, Taiopenga, and Tūwharetoa Marae Sports. These events bring whānau together to celebrate, learn and connect, strengthening collective wellbeing and identity across generations.
INVESTING IN WĀNANGA
$35,629 was invested in wānanga during the year. This included kaupapa such as Toi Tūwharetoa, Rangatahi Wānanga, and whānau-led cultural learning initiatives. Wānanga continue to provide vital spaces for mātauranga to be shared, whanaungatanga strengthened, and tikanga upheld in meaningful and lasting ways.
EDUCATION AND SPORTING PATHWAYS
NTGEC provided $15,000 for education assistance and $98,105 to sporting kaupapa. This support enabled tauira to pursue tertiary studies and rangatahi athletes to represent Ngāti Tūwharetoa nationally and internationally, ensuring financial barriers do not hold back ambition, talent, or achievement.
APPLICATION SNAPSHOT
GRANT APPLICATIONS
We received a total of 102 applications between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025.
65% met the criteria and key objectives of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Genesis Energy Committee. An increase of 2% from last year.
28 Applications were declined because they either did not meet the criteria or were incomplete.
The committee encourages anyone looking to apply for funding to speak with our project coordinator for assistance.
Applications rose from 40 in 2022/23 to 92 in 2023/24, and stayed high in 2024/25.
Approvals have strengthened from 34 in 2022/23 to 60 this year.
GRANT STATUS BY APPLICATION YEAR
% OF GRANT FUNDS BY GRANT TYPE
GRANT STATUS BY APPLICATION YEAR
FINANCIAL REPORT
ProfitandLoss
2025/26 BUDGET
GRANT RECIPIENTS
WĀNANGA
July 2024
July 2024 Moana Thompson - Waka Wairua
July 2024
Piata Winitana-Murray - Toi Tuwharetoa Wananga $3,000.00
Oct 2024 Sharon Mariu - Rangatahi Wananga $3,000.00
Dec 2024 Nicki Scanlan - Hoko Whanau Wananga
Dec 2024
Dec 2024 Katarina Whakatihi - Whakatihi Whanau Wananga
Dec 2024 Tessa Tiwha-Smith
Jan 2025 Waihaha Marae (refund) ($1,371.05)
Jan 2025 Tessa Tiwha-Smith (refund) ($3,000.00)
Feb
TŪWHARETOA HOSTED EVENTS
Oct 2023 TMTB - Kaumatua Lunch $15,000.00
Dec 2023
Dec 2023 Antoinette Kereopa - Waitangi ki Taupo Moana $20,000.00
May 2024
GRANT RECIPIENTS 1 JULY 2024 TO 30 JUNE 2025
MARAE MATAURANGA (SUSTAINABILITY)
HIGHLIGHTS 2024-2025
GEORGE ALBERT-JAHNKE
–SPORTING
A Lifetime of Excellence and Dedication
Tūrangi was proudly represented at the Touch World Cup held in Nottingham, England 2024, with all our athletes showcasing their exceptional skill and coming home with medals for their efforts.
Among them was George who added another milestone to an already remarkable career earning silver with the New Zealand 45 Men’s Team and being inducted into the International Touch Hall of Fame.
This honour recognises decades of commitment and leadership in the sport. Georges record at the Touch World Cup is unmatched in Aotearoa - eight tournaments from 1995 to 2024, achieving four gold and four silver medals. One of his proudest moments came in 1999, when he was part of the New Zealand Open team that won the country’s first-ever World Cup title.
Reflecting on his journey, George recalls humble beginnings in Tūrangi often relying on his coaches for rides to trainings and games across the Bay of Plenty.
“I
will always remember the support. They believed in me and introduced me to touch rugby, steering me away from potential trouble and fostering my lifelong passion for the sport.”
GEORGE ALBERT-JAHNKE (Sitting bottom centre barefoot)
AHSHAE
KONUI TULLOCH
–SPORTING
A Small but Mighty Leader
From the fields of Turangi to Rotorua and Auckland, young league player Ahshae Konui-Tulloch is showing what can happen when passion and support come together.
Ahshae was able to take part in tournaments across the motu representing her iwi and whānau with pride. Over the past two years, her skill and leadership have continued to grow. She was selected for the NZ Māori Under-13 team, named in the Under-14 shadow squad, and captained the Tūwharetoa Under-13s.
Ahshae has also represented Te Arawa, Bay of Plenty, and the Taupō Phoenix, captaining the Phoenix Under-14s with confidence and humility. Whether playing centre or second row, she brings grit, focus, and a deep love for the game.
Behind every tackle and try stands the strength of her whānau and iwi support. The Committee’s contribution helped ease travel costs, allowing Ahshae to focus on her growth as a player and leader.
She represents the values of Ngāti Tūwharetoa - Her journey reminds us that every investment in our rangatahi is an investment in our future.
HIGHLIGHTS 2024-2025
ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT
Okahukura 2B1A2 – Restoring the Mauri of Our Waterways
Led by Creedence Lingman and whānau, the Okahukura 2B1A2 Stream Restoration Project continues to restore the health and resilience of waterways near Lake Ōtamangakau.
This mahi has been outstanding - 4,500 native trees planted, 1 kilometre of fencing installed to protect waterways, and 2.5 kilometres of stream margins cleared of blockages and debris. Pest control operations targeting rats, possums, and mustelids are ongoing, improving the survival of native species and the overall balance of the ecosystem.
The project has also embraced Te Ao Māori principles, embedding kaitiakitanga and whanaungatanga throughout the restoration process. A key highlight for Creedence was the rangatahi wānanga, where young people gained hands-on conservation experience, from tree planting and pest control to learning firearm safety and identifying damage to ngahere.
Together, these efforts are restoring mauri to the taiao, creating shade and habitat for native life, and strengthening the connection between people and whenua. The Okahukura project stands as a living example of how Ngāti Tūwharetoaled environmental restoration can honour both ecological wellbeing and cultural values ensuring that our waterways, species, and mātauranga continue to thrive for generations to come.
RANGATAHI WANANGA
HIGHLIGHTS 2024-2025
WAITANGI KI TŪRANGITUKUA
2025 – TUWHARETOA HOSTED EVENT
He Rā Whakanui i Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Held at Te Kapua Park, Tūrangi, Waitangi ki Tūrangitukua was a celebration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, proudly hosted by Ngāti Tūrangitukua. The event brought together whānau, iwi and local pakihi Māori for a day of reflection, entertainment and whakawhanaungatanga.
Guided by the kaupapa of manaakitanga and tikanga, the alcohol- and smoke-free event created a safe and welcoming space for all ages. The day featured live performances from talented artists including Te Omeka Perkins (House of Shem), Mahi Pai, The Beat Girls, and local favourite Stacia Haitana. A lively Tamariki Zone supported by the Tūrangi Rangatahi Hub kept young ones entertained, while the Kaumātua Area, hosted in partnership with Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries and Te Kura o Hirangi, provided a place of rest and connection for our elders. More than ten food and business stalls showcased local kai and pakihi, reflecting the strength and creativity of our community.
The event was made possible through strong partnerships and collective support. Genesis Energy provided generators and contributed $16,800, while the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Genesis Energy Committee supported the kaupapa with an additional $25,000 in funding.
The result was a resounding success - a day that strengthened relationships between hau kāinga, iwi, and local partners, celebrating unity, cultural pride and the shared commitment to the values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
ROERA HARTLEY – SPORTING
Kī-o-Rahi Nationals 2025 – Ngāti Tūwharetoa Roopū
This year we proudly entered six Kī-o-Rahi teams at the National Tournament, representing Ngāti Tūwharetoa with strength and unity. Our contingent included two Under-16s teams, two Under-19s teams, and two Opens teams, making us the secondlargest rōpū at the event – surpassed only by the host, Te Upoko i Te Ika.
While results were mixed across divisions, our top Under-16s team impressed, narrowly missing a semifinal spot after a tight quarter-final loss to eventual finalists Ngāti Toa. More importantly, the tournament sparked a genuine passion for Kī-o-Rahi among our rangatahi and whānau, strengthening bonds and setting a foundation for future growth of the sport within Tūwharetoa.
At the conclusion of the event, eight national representative teams were named for the Taumata Kī-o-Rahi tournament. We are proud to celebrate the following Tūwharetoa athletes selected:
• Tāniko Akuhata – NZ U21s
• Tamamutu Mitchell – Pasifika U21s
• Hinerangi Mitchell – Pasifika U21s
• Tiahomoana Morgan – Pasifika U21s
• Tiaki Ferris-Bretherton – Pasifika Opens
• Roera Hartley – NZ Opens
Ngā mihi nui to Ngāti Tūwharetoa Genesis for your continued support your tautoko made this campaign possible and ensured our rangatahi could proudly represent their iwi on the national stage.
07 386 8832
ntgec@tuwharetoa.co.nz
www.tuwharetoa.co.nz/ntgec
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