Recap of our Tūwharetoa Whānau Webinar Hui
Keeping Tūwharetoa Whānau Informed
As part of our commitment to He Reo nō te Iwi, mō te Iwi—ensuring our people are informed, connected and involved—the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board hosted two online webinars to begin an open and transparent conversation with whānau about the Government’s Head Start Pathway.
The webinars were designed to provide a plain-language overview of the Government’s proposal, explain what is currently known, discuss what it could mean for Tūwharetoa, and create opportunities for whānau to ask questions and share their whakaaro.
Across both sessions, several key themes emerged. Whānau wanted to better understand how the proposal could affect existing Treaty settlement arrangements, iwi representation, local decision-making, and the protection of our whenua, wai and taonga. There was also strong support for ongoing communication, with many participants highlighting the importance of receiving clear, factual updates as the proposal develops.
These webinars marked the beginning of our engagement—not the end of it. They reinforced the importance of taking our people on the journey by sharing information openly, listening to community perspectives, and creating meaningful opportunities for whānau to participate throughout the process.
This page will continue to be updated as more information becomes available, including webinar recordings, frequently asked questions, Government updates and future opportunities to engage.
What is the Head Start Pathway?
The Head Start Pathway is a Government initiative exploring new ways local councils, iwi and communities could work together to make decisions and deliver local services.
As part of this process, councils and iwi have been invited to develop outline proposals that explore opportunities for local government reform. These proposals will help inform the Government’s future decisions.
At this stage, the proposal remains in its early phases of development, and no decisions have been made.
Why does this matter to Tūwharetoa?
The Government has recognised that any future changes to local government could affect existing relationships between councils and iwi.
For Tūwharetoa, this means it is important that we understand:
- How existing Treaty settlement arrangements could be recognised and protected.
- How our role in local decision-making may evolve.
- What opportunities and challenges could emerge.
- What this could mean for our people, our taonga and future generations.
While there are still many unknowns, it is important that we begin these conversations now so our whānau remain informed throughout the process.
What We Know
- The Government has released the Head Start Pathway.
- Councils across Aotearoa are exploring potential options.
- Outline proposals have been submitted to the Government.
- Tūwharetoa has begun engaging with whānau through online webinars.
- Further engagement will continue through the Haerenga-ā-Motu and future updates.
What We Don’t Know Yet
There are still important questions that cannot yet be answered, including:
- What any future local government model may look like.
- Whether changes will occur within our rohe.
- What legislative changes, if any, may be required.
- What the long-term impacts could be for iwi and local communities.
As the Government provides further information, we will continue updating this page.
Our Approach
As we continue engaging with the Head Start Pathway, our approach will be guided by four key principles.
Protect Our Taonga
Our whenua, wai, maunga and the places that define Tūwharetoa remain central to every conversation.
Honour Existing Commitments
Existing Treaty settlements, statutory agreements and established relationships must continue to be respected and upheld.
Ensure Tūwharetoa Has a Voice
Tūwharetoa should continue to have meaningful participation in decisions affecting our people, our rohe and our future.
Keep Our People Informed
We are committed to sharing information openly, listening to whānau, and providing ongoing opportunities to engage throughout this process.
How can I stay informed?
You can stay connected by:
- Watching recordings of our webinars.
- Reading updates on this webpage.
- Following the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board on social media.
- Joining us during the Haerenga-ā-Motu.
- Contacting the Trust Board with your questions and feedback.
Stay Connected
The Head Start Pathway is an evolving kaupapa, and our commitment is to keep Tūwharetoa whānau informed every step of the way.
As more information becomes available, we will continue to share updates, expand our FAQs, publish new resources, and create opportunities for whānau to participate in the conversation.
Whakamōhio. Whakarongo. Whakawhiti kōrero.
Inform. Listen. Engage in discussion.