Ngāi Tahu releases 2024 annual report

Investing in whānau continues to be a top priority for Ngāi Tahu as the iwi releases its annual report and prepares to unveil its tribal vision for the next 25 years.

Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu Annual Report for the 2023/24 financial year was published on its website today.

Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa says despite a challenging year the iwi remains in a strong position, both economically and culturally.

“We’re proud of the mahi we have achieved for our people over the past year. Our report features many stories and examples of how we have worked for our iwi. This has included connecting whānau through whakapapa and responding to severe weather events.

“Most of this has been achieved through a distribution of $84.6 million from Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation to the Ngāi Tahu Charitable Trust. This funds our workstreams and supports cultural, wellbeing, environmental, and regional development related programmes, while also protecting our Settlements and upholding Ngāi Tahu rangatiratanga.”

Justin Tipa says the sustained downturn of the global economy has continued to provide challenges for whānau and businesses throughout the motu.

“During these difficult times, Ngāi Tahu Holdings has worked to protect the tribal pūtea and has mostly withstood the impacts of global instability and higher interest rates with its diversified portfolio.”

A recent change to industry-wide accounting standards (IFRS17) required the restatement of the accounts for Fidelity Life which resulted in a $93.3 million downward adjustment to the book value of NTHC’s assets. With the inclusion of this restatement, net assets are now $1.66 billion.

Justin Tipa says the iwi has enjoyed many highlights over the past year.

“This includes Ngāi Tahu Archive further enhancing its internationally significant repository with the integration of the two archive websites, Kareao (online archive website), and Kā Huru Manu (an online digital atlas).

“We’re also seeing the results of past investments. This year’s National Matariki Hautapu held in Wānaka is a great example of a 25-year vision to implement our language strategy Kotahi Mano Kāika, Kotahi Mano Wawata. It was a special moment to see Kāi Tahu rakatahi proudly displaying Kāi Tahutaka on the national stage.”

Later this month Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu will unveil a new tribal vision for the next 25 years, Mō Kā Uri – Ngāi Tahu 2050, at a large event called Hui-ā-Iwi which will be hosted by Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura.

“This is an intergenerational vision which has been developed after canvassing the whakaaro of our tribal members who generously shared their aspirations for their iwi.

“Mō Kā Uri represents another evolution in our tribal journey. Guided by the voices of our whānau, we are confident that this vision will help us to navigate the challenges and opportunities to come over the next twenty-five years.”