Founding Principles

The Trust will also be guided by the following principles:

1. Wairuatanga – to encourage, maintain and promote spiritual identity and connection with our taonga, the spiritual existence, intertwined with the physical. It is expressed through the intimate connection of our people with the Maunga, Awa, Moana, Tūpuna and Atua;
2. Whakapapa – the definition of our Whanganui iwi, hapū and who we are – this is the bridge that links us to our land and tūpuna;
3. Whanaungatanga – the understanding of relationships of Whanganui iwi/hapū that includes rights and responsibilities consistent with being part of a collective. It is the principle which binds our Whanganui iwi/hapū, and affirms the value of collectiveness;
4. Kotahitanga – the principle of unity, of moving together as Whanganui iwi with purpose and vision to advance our land claims for the mutual benefit for Whanganui iwi/hapū, and celebrating our Whanganui iwi diversity;
5. Rangatiratanga – to advance and promote Whanganui iwi self-determination, an expression of the characteristics of people who show humility, leadership by example, generosity, diplomacy and knowledge throughout the land negotiations to benefit our iwi and hapū;
6. Manawhenua – the principle that connects Whanganui iwi/hapū to our land, reaffirming this by the right of whakapapa. It defines our turangawaewae and ukaipo, these places where we belong;
7. Manaakitanga – the principle of behaviour and attitude that encourages the upholding of our Whanganui iwi tikanga, that acknowledges the mana of others, as expressed through sharing resources, ideas, expertise and having trust and respect for each other throughout the land negotiations;
8. Te Reo – our language that embodies, encompasses, expresses and defines our kawa, tikanga, values and beliefs of our Whanganui iwi world-view;
9. Kaitiakitanga – to provide a clean, safe and healthy environment by promoting the protection and restoration of our whole environment as Whanganui iwi/hapū;
10. Whakarauhiitanga – to ensure that all within Whanganui iwi are open, accountable and transparent to each other’s iwi/hapū as well as having excellent communication mechanisms that continually inform and update Whanganui iwi/hapū during the land claims negotiations.