Tāwhaki reached to the heavens to gather mātauranga. Through a rejuvenated Kaitorete we will retrace the journey of Tāwhaki to grow that mātauranga for the future of people and the planet.
Through the dual kaupapa of Tāwhaki, whānau and hapū are leading the healing and rejuvenation of Kaitorete and participate in Aotearoa’s growing aerospace industry.
A sustainable aerospace industry will enable the partnership to invest in the rejuvenation of Kaitorete and the adjoining hāpua, Te Waihora, and restore the degraded environment. The aim is that once again this special landscape may sustain the people, as it did our ancestors.
In this way, the dual kaupapa of Tāwhaki are connected and complementary, and bring together mātauranga Māori and innovative technology to help understand our world and to navigate the future together.
A unique partnership
Tāwhaki is a joint venture partnership between Kaitorete Limited (representing Wairewa Rūnanga and Te Taumutu Rūnanga) and the Crown to create enduring opportunities and achieve positive outcomes for the whenua at Kaitorete, and for whānau, hapū and the wider community.
Te Taumutu Rūnanga is the home to the hapū of Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki and Ngāti Moki.
Wairewa Rūnanga is home to the hapū of Ngāti Irakehu and Ngāti Makō.
Our Crown Partner is represented by the Minister for Research, Science and Innovation Hon Judith Collins, with support from Hīkina Whakatuki – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and Te Papa Atawhai – Department of Conservation.