Tribal groups gather for iwi leaders' forum at Whakatane's Tutahi Marae

Iwi leaders are welcomed at Te Manuka Tutahi Marae in Whakatane. Photo/supplied

The Iwi Chairs Forum was hosted by Ngati Awa at Te Manuka Tutahi Marae, in Whakatane last week with more than 170 attendees and 49 Iwi present.

In addition to the Iwi chairpersons, a number of government ministers were also at the forum, including Simon Bridges, Te Ururoa Flavell, Anne Tolley, Maggie Barry and Nick Smith.

As in previous forums, work was centred on four key pou; Pou Tikanga, Pou Taiao, Pou Tangata and Pou Tahua.

Key things discussed were; helping implement an inclusive constitution for Aotearoa, freshwater, conservation, health, housing, biosecurity, te reo and Maori history being taught in all schools, Whanau Ora and Maori economic development.

Ngati Awa were to host the forum in May but, at the time, the event was moved to Tanui's tribal headquarters at Hopuhopu near Ngaruawhahia.