Whai Rawa Benefits

Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei
For us and our children after us

Outline of Whai Rawa

Whai Rawa is a medium to long term savings scheme for Ngāi Tahu. To join you must be registered with the Whakapapa Unit of Te Rūnanga Ngāi Tahu.

Whai Rawa is a pathway to prosperity for all Ngāi Tahu.

Whai Rawa is designed to provide a base level of savings for all registered Ngāi Tahu, support a culture of saving and asset building and encourage and assist Ngāi Tahu whānui to improve their financial situation and knowledge.

Whai Rawa is about empowerment – giving Ngāi Tahu the ability to create a better tomorrow for themselves and their children.

Each year Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu determines the amount of annual distribution and matched savings to be added to members accounts.  Te Rūnanga is also committed to meeting all administrative costs and fees at least until June 2010.  These benefits are unique and only available to Whai Rawa members.

Member's funds that are accumulated can be withdrawn for the following purposes:

  • Tertiary Education
  • First Home Purchase
  • Retirement

Each year Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu determine the amount of annual distribution and matched savings to be added to members accounts. These benefits are unique and only available to Whai Rawa members.

Matched Savings

Matched Savings for 2009 calendar year

Adult Members (aged 16-64)
All adult members, except Elective Members, are eligible to receive Matched Savings at a ratio of 1 to 1 up to a maximum of $200 (including RSCT tax) for any savings made during 2009 into their Whai Rawa account.

Child Members (aged under 16)
All child members are eligible to receive Matched Savings at a ratio of 4 to 1 up to a maximum of $200 for any savings made during 2009 into their Whai Rawa account.

Matched Savings for 2008 calendar year

Adult Members (aged 16-64)
All adult members, except Elective Members, are eligible to receive Matched Savings at a ratio of 1 to 1 up to a maximum of $200 (including RSCT) for any savings made during 2008 into their Whai Rawa account.

Non-Adult Members (aged under 16)
All non-adult members are eligible to receive Matched Savings at a ratio of 4 to 1 up to a maximum of $200 (including RSCT) for any savings made during 2008 into their Whai Rawa account.

Matched Savings for 2007 calender year

Adult Members (aged over 16)
All adult members, except Elective Members, have received Matched Savings at a ratio of 1 to 1 up to a maximum of $100 for any savings made during 2007 into their Whai Rawa account.

Child Members (aged under 16)
All child members have received Matched Savings at a ratio of 4 to 1 up to a maximum of $100 for any savings made during 2007 into their Whai Rawa account.

Annual Distribution

Each year Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu determine the amount (if any) of the Annual Distribution to be made to members of Whai Rawa. Once the distribution is added to each member’s account it then begins to build interest which accumulates for the member’s benefit.

Distribution March 2009

All members of Whai Rawa (except Elective Members), as at 31 December 2008, have received a distribution of $25 (including RSCT tax ) into their Whai Rawa accounts in March 2009.

Distribution March 2008

All members of Whai Rawa (except Elective Members), as at 31 December 2007, have received a distribution of $250 into their Whai Rawa accounts in March 2008.

Distribution March 2007

All members of Whai Rawa (except Elective Members), as at 31 December 2006, have received a distribution of $125 into their Whai Rawa accounts – paid in March 2007.

Withdrawing from Whai Rawa

Members need to be aged 16 or over to make a withdrawal.

Members aged 16 to 55 years can make a withdrawal from their Whai Rawa account for each of the following:

  • to help pay for their tertiary education
  • to help buy their first home

Members aged 55 years or older can make up to 2 cash withdrawals (with a minimum of $1000 or if you have less than $1000 you must withdraw the full amount) from their account each calendar year up to the balance of their account.

Members may also apply for a withdrawal in special circumstances.

More information about Whai Rawa can be obtained in the Investment Statement.