Nominations Are Open | Have Your Say on Who Represents You
Nominations for the Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea Trustee Elections are now open. These elections are an opportunity for whānau to help shape the future direction of Whakatōhea by choosing the people who will provide governance and leadership on behalf of our iwi.
The decisions made today will help guide the aspirations of future generations. Strong leadership, informed participation, and whānau voices all play an important role in ensuring Whakatōhea continues to grow, thrive, and remain connected.
Nominations are now open - if you're considering standing yourself, or know someone who'd represent Whakatōhea well, now's the time to act. Whānau should also make sure their details are up to date so they're ready to vote when the time comes.
Whether you're thinking about standing, encouraging someone else to, or preparing to cast your vote, this is your chance to help shape the future of our iwi.
Download and view nomination forms in the button below:
Notice of Election of Trustees and Call for Nominations for Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea Trust
Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea is the Post Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) established to receive and manage the Treaty settlement and assets of Whakatōhea.
The Trust is currently governed by sixteen (16) trustees who will all retire at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) later this year.
Nominations are now called for from suitably qualified candidates to fill the sixteen (16) available Trustee positions. Retiring trustees may re-stand for election if they choose.
• Twelve (12) Hapū Trustees - two (2) to be elected from each of the 6 hapū Ngai Tamahaua, Ngāti Ruatakenga, Ngāti Patumoana, Ngāti Ngahere, Ngāti Ira and Ūpokorehe
• Four (4) General Trustees or which one (1) must be a Rangatahi (aged 18 to 35 years old)
• One (1) Rangatahi Trustee (aged 18 to 35 years old)
Nominations close at 12 noon on Monday 14 September 2026. Nominations must be made on the official nomination form, which is available from the Returning Officer (contact details below), along with a Nomination & Candidate Guide for prospective candidates.
Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set out in rule 2.1 and 6.8 of the Second Schedule of the
Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea Trust Deed.
The eligibility criteria are outlined on the nomination form.
The Trust will give further notification of the election process after nominations have closed.
For candidate nomination packs contact the Independent Returning Officer (details below).
Membership Registration
All adult members of Whakatōhea Iwi can participate in the trustee election. If you have whānau who are not registered with Whakatōhea but wish to participate in the election, they can request a registration form from:
Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea
122 Saint John Street
Ōpōtiki 3122
Ph: 07 3156150
Email: register@whakatohea.co.nz
Alternatively, whānau can register via our tribal database here
Independent Returning Officer – on behalf of Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea Trust
Isiah Roberts
Electionz
Ph: 0800 666 047
Email: nominations@electionz.com
Key Dates
Friday 14 August 2026
Monday 14 September 2026
Friday 16 October 2026
Friday 13 November 2026 5pm
Wednesday 18 November
Thursday 3 December
Saturday 5 December
Nominations open
Nominations close
Voting opens
Voting closes
Provisional results released
Announcement of results
New Trustees Sworn in at AGM
Eligibility
To vote, you must be registered on the Whakatōhea tribal database, be aged 18 and over, and of Whakatōhea descent. If you’re not, register by clicking here now or phone 07 315 6150.
To stand as a candidate, you must meet the criteria set out in clauses 2.1 and 6.8 of the Second Schedule of the and be registered as a beneficiary. To read the full requirements for eligibility, read our frequently asked pātai.
Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea Trust Deed and be registered as a beneficiary. To read the full
requirements for eligibility, read our frequently asked pātai.
Trustee Positions Available
There will be 16 Trustee positions available"
Hapū Trustees
Two Trustees will be elected from each of the six hapū:
Ngāi Tamahaua
Ngāti Ruatākena
Ngāti Patumoana
Ngāti Ngāhere
Ngāti Ira
Te Ūpokorehe
General Trustees
Four General Trustees will be elected, including:
At least one Rangatahi Trustee (aged between 18 and 35 years)
Duties of Trustees
Know and act in accordance with the Trust Deed
Act honestly and in good faith
Hold and deal with Trust Assets for the benefit of all Members of Whakatōhea
Exercise powers for a proper purpose
Act in accordance with any Code of Conduct developed by the Trust
If elected, Trustees must publicly swear an oath – Te Oatitanga – and agree to be
bound by the terms of the Trust Deed.
To read more about eligibility requirements, nominations and voting, please read our
frequently asked pātai.
Nominations and Independent Returning Officer Contact:
Isiah Roberts
Chief Returning Officer - ElectioNZ
Ph: 0800 666 047
Structure
Governance
