Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is the organisation that services the tribe's statutory rights and ensures that the benefits of the Settlement grow for the future generations. It was established by the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Act 1996.
Te Rūnanga is committed to the long-term benefit of the South Island and New Zealand it is dedicated to the sustainable use of resources and sound environmental outcomes. We are committed to building relationships and ensuring we play an active role in the wider community.
Everything we do is to build a stronger economic, social and cultural base for Ngāi Tahu people.
Throughout the South Island there are 18 local rūnanga (local councils). An elected representative from each rūnanga makes up Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu – the tribal council that oversees the tribe's activities. Through this tribal council structure Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is accountable to the tribal members.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
The Te Rūnanga structure is based on a policy of decentralisation that allows for a high degree of autonomy within a prescribed framework.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is directly responsible for the overall governance of the group and for representing Papatipu Rūnanga and Ngāi Tahu Whānui and delivering direct benefits to them. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu deal with global tribal policy and issues, while Papatipu Rūnanga manage issues requiring wider or local consultation.
Ngāi Tahu Charitable Trust
As trustee of the Ngāi Tahu Charitable Trust Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is also directly responsible for the delivery of charitable social and cultural programmes and grants.