Do you know what a runanga is? And that we have one locally?
Over the following months, we’ll be telling you a little bit about ourselves and what we do. However, as you may not know anything about us, we thought we would start with the basics.
So, what is a runanga?
In 1996, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu (Tront) and 18 papatipu runanga were formed as an outcome of the Ngai Tahu Iwi treaty settlements.
The Hokonui Runanga and the other 17 runanga are local body councils that represent Ngai Tahu on a local level.
Tront, on the other hand, is the governing council, made up of elected representatives from each runanga.
This structure ensures representation within a ground-up structure of governing.
The members inform the decision-making of the runanga, who then instruct Tront.
In short, the Hokonui Runanga is a small piece of a larger puzzle.
Where can you find the Hokonui Runanga?
Hokonui is the only runanga located inland, hidden in the far corner of Gore, in Charlton Rd. If you come to visit us, you can see our little piece of paradise, with its serene wetlands.
Each runanga has its own rohe (area) where they hold mana whenua status (historical and territorial rights and responsibilities).
However, as the four runanga located in Murihiku (Southland) have many shared interest areas, they often work together.
Who works for the Hokonui Runanga?
We have a rapidly expanding team of more than 20 working staff and volunteers who all share the same whanau-centric values.
Our 18 executives serve as representatives for our 15,292 members.
They protect and maintain the interests of our members by setting the visions and the goals of the runanga, which staff are bound by.
What do we offer?
Our key areas of work are education, health, and te taiao (the environment).
Ultimately, we exist to provide services for our local hapori (community), contributing to their welfare and ensuring a sustainable and secure future for the next generation.
We look forward to sharing more about us and our activities in the months to come. In the meantime, check out our website at: www.hokonuirunanga.org.nz
He aha te mea nui o te ao?
What is the most important thing in the world?
He tangata, he tangata, hetangata.
It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.
