As Whiringa-ā-nuku draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the moments that have shaped our journey since our last update. From diving into the rich feedback and whakaaro shared at Hui Māori and preparing an expanded summary, to building stronger relationships with justice sector leaders, our collective mahi continues to grow with purpose and momentum. This pānui brings together updates, reflections, and acknowledgements — including a tribute to Tā Tumu Te Heuheu — reminding us of the vision and values that unite us in this movement.
E te rangatira, e Tā Tumu, moe mai rā i te korowai o te aroha.
We acknowledge the passing of Tā Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, the ariki of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his whānau on 23 September2025, aged 84.
Tā Tumu was a pillar of leadership, humility, and vision — a guardian of the maunga, a champion of te taiao, and a steadfast advocate for unity and justice. His legacy spans decades of service, from protecting Tongariro National Park to chairing UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, always bringing mana Māori to the global stage.
His leadership was marked not by volume, but by mauri tau — a calm, composed strength that inspired generations. He understood the rhythm of leadership: when to challenge, when to listen, and when to speak with clarity and grace.
As a movement committed to Māori-led justice transformation, we honour his lifelong dedication to whakapapa, tikanga, and rangatiratanga. His legacy reminds us that true leadership is grounded in service, humility, and unwavering commitment to our people and whenua.
Haere atu rā e te Ariki.
Haere ki te kāinga o ngā tīpuna.
Moe mai rā i raro i te maru o ngā maunga tapu o Tūwharetoa.
From 15–17 August, Ināia Tonu Nei held Hui Māori ki Tāmaki, bringing together Māori from across the motu with lived experience, expertise, and deep commitment to justice transformation. The kōrero was powerful, affirming the ongoing harm of the (in)justice system and the urgent need to build Māori-led systems of care, accountability, and collective wellbeing.
A clear call emerged: we must move towards a future shaped by mana motuhake, tino rangatiratanga, and localised Māori solutions. Inter-generational leadership, economic sovereignty, and kotahitanga were central themes, alongside the need to dismantle colonial structures and elevate our own.
Ngā Kaitiaki o Ināia Tonu Nei remain steadfast in their role to safeguard the kaupapa and support this movement. We invite you to read the attached extended summary– Hui Māori ki Tāmaki and stay connected as we continue regional hui across the motu.
Together, we build the future our tūpuna dreamed of.
Last week, Ngā Kaitiaki met with a couple of ministers and chief executives from within the justice sector. The hui were very positive, and we discussed the importance of building strong, enduring relationships with agencies. We have agreed to work together on a few key areas, and over the coming weeks our people will begin conversations to shape what that looks like. More details will be shared as this mahi progresses.
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