Iwi-Wide Survey NOW CLOSED | Te Aka Baseline Survey'Te Aka' is an exciting research project that aims to develop a collective vision for the future of Ngāti Rangitihi whānui. Te Aka is part of Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust's strategy to involve as many Ngāti Rangitihi whānau as possible in the future planning and development of the iwi.
The project will gather information about what iwi members want to see for the future of Ngāti Rangitihi, ideas about initiatives the Trust could develop to achieve that future and indicators to measure progress towards that future. Interviews and wananga with approximately 80 iwi members have already taken place (a summary of the outcomes from the interviews and wananga is provided below). We are now entering the final stage of information gathering involving an iwi wide survey. The information from the research will be collated and a draft report presented to a Hui-ā-Iwi in September 2011. After that a final report will be completed and delivered to Ngāti Rangitihi. What is the Iwi wide survey about? The survey will ask a series of questions designed to understand the priorities and current situation of the Ngāti Rangitihi iwi. The survey will also gather your views on the performance of the Trust. This information will provide a baseline to measure the future development and progress of the iwi. When will I receive the survey? The online survey will be available through our website from Wednesday 21 September until 10pm Friday 7 October 2011. How will my survey feedback be used? All the feedback we receive from the surveys will be analysed and presented in the final report. The information you provide will not be used for any other purpose than outlined above. Is the survey confidential? Yes. The survey does not ask for your name or contact details and the information will be held confidential by the Trust. |
What were some of the outcomes of the interviews and focus group discussions?
Below is a high level summary of the ideas that came out of the interviews and focus group discussions. Most of those who participated were excited about the future potential of Ngāti Rangitihi and supported the Trust's efforts to engage the iwi in planning and generating ideas for the iwi's future.
Whanaungatanga
Participants had an aspiration for greater whanaungatanga amongst the whānau and hapu of Ngāti Rangitihi. There was a desire for greater cohesion, understanding and unity amongst the iwi. Ideas for this kaupapa included: a regular iwi wide event to encourage whanaungatanga, providing opportunities for those outside Matatā to connect with iwi initiatives and encouraging iwi to work collaboratively on the future development of the iwi.
Strong Reo and Tikanga
Participants considered Te Reo and Tikanga as fundamental to creating a strong future for the iwi. This was stated as the most important task for the iwi and the Trust in the near future and included a desire for more Te Reo speakers amongst Ngāti Rangitihi, access to Te Reo and Tikanga education, a strong paepae and better use of knowledgeable people within the iwi. Ideas for progressing this Kaupapa included wananga (for reo, tikanga, kawa, waiata and history), creating a Ngāti Rangitihi library to house historical and cultural information, a program to ensure people are trained to fulfill the paepae in the future; better support for our Kohanga Reo and future Kura Kaupapa Māori.
A vibrant Marae
Participants believed that the Marae should be at the centre of Ngāti Rangitihi's development. Ideas for creating a vibrant Marae included; more use of the Marae for a range of activities and events, upgrading the wharekai, creating opportunities for whānau to be involved in the maintenance of the Marae and for the Marae to become the central hub for Ngāti Rangitihi initiatives, services and facilities.
Rangatirangatanga / Leadership
Participants believed strong and connected leadership was essential to the future of Ngāti Rangitihi. Participants discussed concerns with historical leadership and suggested ideas to improve leadership in the future. These ideas included better succession planning, developing a talent base, mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability and establishing clear definition of attributes required for various leadership roles.
Matauranga / Education
Participants believed education was essential to the long term development and sustainability of the iwi. It was acknowledged that an educated iwi will provide the capacity and capability to achieve a strong future for the iwi. Participants wanted to see strategic education initiatives that leveraged off existing resources and linked clearly with the future needs and aspirations of the iwi. Some ideas for this Kaupapa included; more support for the Kohanga Reo, providing transport and opportunities to access quality education, strategic scholarships that develops skills that can support iwi development and long term aspirations around a Ngāti Rangitihi Kura Kaupapa Māori.
Hauora / Health
Participants believed promoting healthy lifestyles and access to healthcare as important to the individual and collective development of the iwi. Participants wanted initiatives to ensure access to healthcare, promotion of healthy lifestyles and the use of Kaupapa Māori approaches to health. Some ideas for progressing this Kaupapa included; providing transport for iwi members to access healthcare, teaching Rongoā Māori and Mirimiri practices to the iwi and long term aspirations for a healthcare clinic in Matatā.
Taiao / Environment
Participants placed great importance on the protection and enhancement of the wider Ngāti Rangitihi environment. In particular participants wanted to see strategic initiatives around key natural features of the iwi including Te Awa o te Atua, the lagoon and Mount Tarawera. This Kaupapa also included strong support for Maara Kai (communal gardens).
Whai Rawa & Whai Mahi / Economic Development & Jobs
Participants wanted a strong economic future and employment for the iwi. It was acknowledged that this would assist whānau to live in or return to Matatā, be more involved in the iwi and provide the capacity to drive social and cultural initiatives of the iwi. Ideas for this Kaupapa included; creating more opportunities for iwi to work on iwi projects, establishing a business hub in Matatā to support Ngāti Rangitihi professionals to work from Matatā and exploring potential for Ngāti Rangitihi businesses in the future as well as better utilisation of Iwi assets such as land and water.
Te Aka Baseline Survey Framework
Tahana Limited
Tahana Limited have been contracted to complete a comprehensive baseline survey by Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust for Ngāti Rangitihi whānui.
This company is a team of experienced Māori development consultants having worked on a range of strategic iwi projects over the past decade. They use a Māori approach and independent facilitation to create a safe environment for you to share your ideas about your iwi's future. | About the name 'Te Aka'
The name Te Aka reflects the vision for the project - a vine of wellbeing that binds together the iwi. It is derived from the well-known proverb "Ko Rangitihi ūpoko whakahirahira, ko te ūpoko i takaia ki te akatea".
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