Te Korowai Board met to discuss a full agenda on 23 Pipiri 2023. 

The following highlights can be shared:

• Te Korowai received a clean unmodified audit for 2022/23 from auditors PWC, who were full of praise for the management of the business. PWC looked forward to reporting to ngā uri at the hui-ā-tau (AGM) on 26 Hereturikōkā (August) at Aotearoa Marae.
• A commercial report and update from the Mana Hautū of Te Kīwai Mauī was received. The message of the hui-ā-tau 2022 was echoed – of conservative returns in future years. Te Rere o Kapuni development is tracking on time and the business case for Kāinga Whakaahurangi is proceeding.
• The Board discussed addressing breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi by the Crown in order to preserve and protect the rights of Ngāruahine.
• A report from the Tumu Whakarae on her recent attendance at the NAISA Conference in Tikaronto (Toronto), 11-13 Haratua (May) was received.
• The Board acknowledged Ngāruahine Iwi Health for the new hauora programmes being promoted.
• The Board noted that the Ngā Iwi o Taranaki Pungao Whakahou working group representatives had arrived home safely after travelling with a study group to offshore wind projects in England, Scotland, Belgium and Germany. The purpose of the haerenga was to gather information to inform a wānanga to our hapū and uri to be held in a few months’ time, on opportunities in the alternative energy sector. Te Korowai is a part of the Pungao Whakahou ohu– the alternative energy working group – in Taranaki.
• The Board acknowledged the wind down of the Taranaki Māori Trust Board and the resulting structural change, and discussed potential candidates to represent on Te Tōpuni Kōkōrangi – the governance body for Te Tōpuni Ngārahu Limited Partnership. A process will be explained by the negotiators for those who are interested.
• Te Korowai board members and management have attended and actively engaged in various kaupapa at a regional and national level including the Taranaki Iwi Chairs Forum, the National Iwi Chairs Symposium and Te Ohu Kaimoana Special General Meeting.
• The Pouwhakarae thanked 5 outgoing trustees for their commitment and service to our people; acknowledged those trustees elected unopposed; and wished Kānihi-Umutahi and Ngāti Tū hapū a successful election process. An announcement on the newly elected board should be made on or around 7 Mahuru. Refer to our website for further information TRUSTEE-ELECTIONS-2023-Bulletin.
• Finally, the Board congratulated all those taiohi who stood in the Aotea region Manu Kōrero and all those taking to the atamira at Pae Rangatahi.