Who We are
The Kaitiaki Board was formed out of the Taranaki Whanui deed of settlement and the return of the islands to Taranaki Whanui ownership. Its role is to provide steady governance, listen with care, and balance ancestral knowledge with present-day responsibilities. Working collectively with partners and communities, the Board upholds stewardship that is grounded, transparent, and accountable, sharing this commitment openly through its work.
BOARD MEMBERS BRING A BALANCE OF:
- Cultural knowledge
- Community insight
- Governance experience
- Environmental and strategic expertise
We act collectively, not individually, and make decisions with the long view in mind.
A Home to Unique Species
E NGĀ MANA, E NGĀ REO, E NGĀ KAITIAKI O TĒNEI TAONGA — TĒNĀ KOUTOU KATOA.
The responsibility of kaitiakitanga is not a short term task. It is a commitment that extends beyond individual roles, beyond funding cycles, and beyond our own lifetimes.
The Kaitiaki Board was established to ensure that decisions made today protect the integrity, mauri, and future wellbeing of this taonga. Our role is to provide steady governance, to listen carefully, and to act in ways that honour both ancestral knowledge and contemporary responsibilities.
We work collectively, alongside partners and communities, to ensure that stewardship remains grounded, transparent, and accountable. This website is one way we share that work openly.
— Chair, Kaitiaki Board
STEWARDSHIP &
OVERSIGHT
We provide governance oversight to ensure the taonga is protected, respected, and sustained for future generations.
KAITIAKITANGA IN
PRACTICE
Our decisions are informed by tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and evidence based environmental and cultural practice.
ACCOUNTABILITY &
TRANSPARENCY
We are committed to clear reporting, open communication, and responsible decision making.
GUIDING
PRINCIPLES
The Kaitiaki Board is guided by kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga, and whanaungatanga, upholding intergenerational responsibility through strong partnership and collaboration to protect the island’s future.
WHAT GOVERNANCE MEANS HERE
Governance is not day to day management. It is the responsibility to:
- Set strategic direction
- Protect the kaupapa when pressures arise
- Ensure decisions uphold the mauri of the taonga
- Monitor risk, performance, and outcomes
How We Work
We work through regular hui and reporting cycles, maintain clear separation between governance and operations, actively engage partners and stakeholders, and commit to ongoing learning and reflection.
Our commitment is to act in good faith, report honestly, and remain accountable to whānau, partners, and future generations.
GOVERNANCE CONTEXT
The governance board is reponsible for developing plans and strategy to guide the Island’s future. We have the following in place:
We are currently developing a Spatial Plan.
The Board provides strategic direction to the Department of Conservation and Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust staff who are responsible for the day to day management.
CURRENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVES
The Kaitiaki Board is made up of three representatives elected by The Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust and three representatives elected by the Minister of Conservation. The Chair is a The Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust representative.
TE WHATANUI WINIATA
Chair
ANGUS HULME-MOIR
Trustee
ANI PARATA
Trustee
IHAIA PUKETAPU
Trustee
NICOLE MCCROSSIN
Trustee
SHANE COTTER
Trustee
STEVE BIELBY Trustee
Trustee
NATALIE SMITH
Secretariat
REPORTING & ACCOUNTABILITY
TRANSPARENCY
We believe trust is built through openness. We share annual reports, strategic plans, statements of intent, and key decisions and outcomes where appropriate. Explore these documents through the link below.