NEW COALITION GOVERNMENT POLICY AGENDA - POSITION STATEMENT

NEW COALITION GOVERNMENT POLICY AGENDA

POSITION STATEMENT 

This statement relates to the policy agenda by the new coalition government.



Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust (Te Korowai) is the Post Settlement Governance Entity for Ngāruahine Iwi. Te Korowai has responsibility of managing and growing the Ngāruahine treaty settlement assets – for the benefit of Ngāruahine uri, whānau, hapū and Iwi. Te Korowai also has the responsibility of ensuring an enduring settlement and that the Tiriti rights of Ngāruahine are upheld.


Te Korowai does not have any political affiliations and will work alongside any government to progress the interests of Ngāruahine. Equally, Te Korowai have the responsibility of challenging any policies that conflict with the interests of Ngāruahine.


This position statement outlines the general and specific position of Te Korowai as informed by our purpose, strategy and policies – which can be found at can be found on our website www.ngaruahine.iwi.nz


General position

The new coalition government, led by National and including Act and NZ First, was formed based on the details in the respective coalition agreements. This policy agenda will have a detrimental impact on Māori and Ngāruahine.


Te Tiriti o Waitangi was between the Crown and Māori. Any interpretation of that has been reinforced to date through the Waitangi Tribunal, Treaty settlement legislation, general legislation and the judicial system. A crude unilateral statutory reform on the Treaty principles will have a detrimental impact on Māori, Iwi, and most pressingly to us, the rights of Ngāruahine uri, whānau, hapū and iwi.


Te Korowai has held a strong, effective and productive relationship with local government over the last three years. Te Korowai has committed to large impact investment projects into South Taranaki that will support local economic growth for the benefit of not only Ngāruahine, but the wider community. This impact investment includes; housing, civic development, tourism infrastructure and hapū development. The recent inclusion of Māori wards has further solidified our relationship with local authorities. We see our relationship with South Taranaki District Council, Stratford District Council and Taranaki Regional Council as successful examples of iwi/council relationships which will contribute to our people living in a thriving environment. The reintroduction of local referendum on Māori wards will have a negative impact on Te Korowai resourcing – impacting our capability and capacity to deliver on local investment.


We have a high level of cynicism and resentment from being used as a political football for subsequent governments, and no material health, social, environmental, or cultural improvements for our Iwi. We are concerned by the disproportionate level and targeting of Māori in the policy agenda which is focused on disestablishment and removal of our rights versus corrective solutions to the, widely agreed, disparities faced by Māori. This reductive approach does not serve Māori and does not serve Aotearoa. It is also contrary to the ‘productive’ and ‘administrative efficiency’ driven rhetoric espoused amongst the three coalition partners. Instead, the result is a continuation of toxic vitriol and anti-Māori sentiment.


Specific position

The policy agenda that negatively impact Māori include, but are not limited to:

  • Te Aka Whai Ora. Māori Health Authority disestablishment.
  • Examine the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS) and Otago equivalent to determine if they are delivering desired outcomes. 
  • Repeal the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act 2022 to remove the requirements for denicotinisation and the reduction in retail outlets.
  • Remove Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.
  • Remove co-governance from the delivery of public services.
  • Restore the right to local referendum on the establishment or ongoing use of Māori wards, including requiring a referendum on any wards established without referendum at the next local body elections.
  • Confirm that the Coalition Government does not recognise the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as having any binding legal effect on New Zealand.
  • Amend section 58 of the Marine and Coastal Area Act to make clear Parliament’s original intent, in light of the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Whakatōhea Kotahitanga Waka (Edwards) & Ors v Te Kāhui and Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board & Ors [2023] NZCA 504.
  • Amend the Waitangi Tribunal legislation to refocus the scope, purpose, and nature of its inquiries back to the original intent of that legislation.
  • Conduct a comprehensive review of all legislation (except when it is related to, or substantive to, existing full and final Treaty settlements) that includes “The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi” and replace all such references with specific words relating to the relevance and application of the Treaty, or repeal the references.
  • The policies on Te Reo and specifically the reversal of reo use in government departments and agencies and the removal of allowances for reo speakers.

 

11 Hakihea 2023

June 29, 2026
NGĀ RERE VACANCY Kaiwhakahaere Matua | General Manager Full-time permanent Located in Hāwera, Taranaki Ko Wai Mātou? | About Us An exciting opportunity has been created for an experienced and passionate General Manager to help launch the soon to be opened Ngā Rere located in Taranaki. Ngā Rere will be an 18-room cultural lodge which delivers an immersive experience as well as a place to rest your head. Manuhiri will experience warmth through manaakitanga of Ngāruahine. Meaning flows through the building design, accommodation, the dining experience, storytelling, and guided tours. The sum of all these components creates a sense of connection with Taranaki Maunga and Ngāruahine. As the General Manager, you will play a pivotal role in establishing and managing all aspects of this property, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, and driving its success. The successful applicant will have strong interpersonal skills, must work well in a team environment, and can work well under pressure. This includes having excellent developed organisational and time management skills, being flexible and a responsive Manager and one that is hands on and projects both a positive and approachable manner. Experience working with iwi, particularly in Taranaki, would be an advantage. The General Manager will be managing all aspects of the day-to-day operations ensuring alignment with the overall strategic and operating plan for the business, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and Maintenance. Reporting to the Chair and Board of Directors and working closely with key stakeholders, you will ensure the lodge achieves outstanding guest experiences, strong financial performance, and long-term success. As the leader of Ngā Rere, you will be the driving force behind the culture of the property. Communication, collaboration, and relationship-building will be key to your success as you support and empower department leaders and team members to deliver exceptional service standards. Responsibilities Outstanding leadership skills, previous experience managing a team, recruiting, rostering, training and supervising staff along with HR experience in all aspects. Lead and motivate a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging personal growth and development. A strong understanding of the P&L statement and can react with impactful strategies, reporting directly to Head Office Ensure that monthly financials for all departments are on target, accurate and reported effectively to the Board. Develop and implement effective operational policies and procedures to ensure seamless guest experiences. Maximising room yield and revenue through innovative sales practices. Identify opportunities to improve profitability while maintaining premium service standards. Excellent, high-quality customer service, ensuring positive guest experiences. Handling complaints and overseeing the service recovery procedures. Ensure exceptionally high and consistent standards are met throughout the hotel. Stay informed on hospitality trends, customer expectations, and market opportunities to maintain a competitive offering. To hold regular briefings and meetings with the team and departments. Understanding of current Health & Safety obligations, ensuring the Hotel is fully compliant to the SOP's, Policies, procedures and service standards. Ngā Pūkenga | Skills and Experience Qualification in Hospitality Management, tourism, or equivalent experience in a similar role. Previous experience in a similar role. Passionate about Te Reo Māori me ona Tikanga. Strong knowledge of hotel operations, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage, Sales and Marketing, and Maintenance Proven track record of successfully leading and developing teams, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth, manage budgets, and achieve financial targets. Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences. Solid understanding of industry trends, customer preferences, and competitive market dynamics. Strong organisational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. This is a rare opportunity to lead the launch of a truly unique hospitality experience within Aotearoa. You will have the opportunity to shape the culture, service standards, and success of Nga Rere while leading a team committed to delivering exceptional hospitality and authentic manaakitanga. If you are an experienced hotel leader who is passionate about people, culture, guest experiences, and operational excellence, we would love to hear from you. Tono mai | Apply If you would like a copy of the job description, please email hrpayroll@ngaruahine.iwi.nz. Closing date for applications 5pm, 19 July 2026. The successful candidate will be subject to Police vetting and must hold a full driver's licence, as occasional driving may be required. To be eligible to apply, candidates must currently hold the right to work and reside in New Zealand.
June 4, 2026
TE KOROWAI O NGĀRUAHINE | VACANCY Independent Member Vacancy for Te Ohu Arotake, the Audit and Risk Committee. Four-year term Located in Hāwera, Taranaki Ngā Mātāpono | Values At Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust, our values are the foundation of everything we do: Mahi ka tika | Transparency Mahi pono | Trustworthiness Manaakitanga | Sharing and caring Māhakitanga | Respect and humility Ngākaunui | Sound judgement Hari me te koa | Fun and celebration Mō te Tūranga | The Role An opportunity has arisen within Te Ohu Arotake, the Audit and Risk Committee of Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust. We are looking for an experienced audit and risk member to take an active role in ensuring the guiding principle of Ngākaunui (Sound Judgement) is exercised. Exposure to Māori business is also an advantage. Ko Wai Mātou? | About Us Te Korowai and its subsidiaries constitute the Ngāruahine Group which is a significant sized Post Settlement Governance Group (PSGE) group with a high level of accountability to its people. Te Ohu Arotake is part of our organisational commitment to mahi ka tika (transparency) and mahi pono (trustworthiness) which is embedded within our Trust deed. This means that we will adopt full reporting processes and ensure our business practices and major decisions are based on transparent processes. Ngā Pūkenga | Skills and Experience Exceptional commercial and financial acumen Have relevant governance experience in commercial decision making, audit and risk committees. Proven experience in internal procedural audit and risk management Passion and understanding of tikanga Māori and intergenerational sustainability Tono mai | Apply Based in Hāwera, Taranaki, this is a four-year fixed-term opportunity, with a preferred onboarding start date of July.  If you would like to be considered for this role, please apply to jessica@ngaruahine.iwi.nz . Closing date for applications is 15 June 2026. To be eligible to apply, candidates must currently hold the right to work and reside in New Zealand.