He Whare Hono o Tūwharetoa

He Whare Hono o Tūwharetoa is a landmark building in Taupō and a proud symbol of unity, progress, and the strength of Ngāti Tūwharetoa. Developed through collaborative mahi by the Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust (TST) and other key iwi organisations, this whare reflects our commitment to enhancing the wellbeing and prosperity of our iwi.

Our Role and Vision

Since our establishment as the Post-Settlement Governance Entity on 1 July 2009, TST has been dedicated to managing and growing the resources returned to Ngāti Tūwharetoa through the Central North Island Forests Iwi Collective Settlement. Our vision is simple yet powerful:

“Tipua te ao o Tūwharetoa mo te Iwi, ki te hapai ngā hapū taketake.”
Grow the world of Tūwharetoa for its people, strengthening our hapū foundations.

He Whare Hono o Tūwharetoa embodies this vision by creating a space that brings our people together, enhances collaboration, and secures benefits for future generations.

Collaborative Leadership

Our whare, located at 67 Horomatangi Street in Taupō, was developed through a strong partnership involving TST, Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries Holdings, Tauhara Properties, Tupu Angitu, and Lake Rotoaira Trust.

We are also proud to share this space with community partners such as Taupō District Council, economic development agency Amplify, and tourism organisation Love Taupō. By co-locating, we enhance our ability to work together for collective success.

Celebrating Our Culture and Heritage

He Whare Hono o Tūwharetoa is a living representation of our cultural identity. Throughout the building, visitors can experience powerful artworks by Ngāti Tūwharetoa artists that celebrate our whakapapa, ancestral stories, and deep connection to our whenua.

The design honours significant landmarks and revered ancestors, ensuring that our iwi’s rich history is visible and respected.

Supporting our Whānau

Beyond its physical presence, He Whare Hono o Tūwharetoa serves as an accessible hub for our iwi, offering:

• A central point for accessing iwi and community services.
• Opportunities to engage directly with governance and leadership initiatives.
• Programmes and services supporting education, housing, economic development, and cultural wellbeing.

This whare reinforces our goals to foster safe, healthy, and connected communities within Ngāti Tūwharetoa.

A Strategic Commitment

This initiative aligns closely with our strategic goals. By investing in He Whare Hono o Tūwharetoa, we strengthen our financial sustainability, aiming to grow iwi assets and achieve long-term financial targets, such as reaching an equity goal of $150 million by 2044.

Looking Ahead

Officially opened in March 2025, He Whare Hono o Tūwharetoa marks an exciting new chapter for TST and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. We invite our whānau, hapū, and the wider community to share in this proud milestone and continue to engage with us as we move forward together.

For more information, please contact us or visit us at He Whare Hono o Tūwharetoa, 67 Horomatangi Street, Taupō.