Leadership

In 2000, Ngāi Tahu Whānui collectively dreamed a 25 year tribal vision to guide how we grow and use the Ngāi Tahu Settlement to achieve our tribal mission Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – For us and our children after us.

Our vision takes a 360 degree approach. It blends government, private and community sector activities in a uniquely Ngāi Tahu way. Like government, our vision encompasses holistic tribal development to enhance the quality of life of our people in education, health, financial well-being and cultural strength. It also aims to grow economic development at tribal and regional levels, manage our environment and protect our tribal taonga (treasures). Like the private sector, our vision is to grow our asset base to create revenue and akin to the community sector we are mission driven. All the while Ngāi Tahu is creating a uniquely Ngāi Tahu vision for current and future generations guided by a set of cultural values and imperatives.

Ngāi Tahu 2025 – Our tribal vision for the future

Te Kaitiakitanga me te Tāhuhu Our dream is to have visionary and consistent leadership. Our goal is to have transparent, effective trusted tribal governance of our assets and tribal development journey.	Tō Tātou Ngāi Tahutanga Our dream is to have a vibrant Ngāi Tahu culture. Our goal is that our taha wairua will flourish through the passion and energy we have to carry our culture forward. Tō Tātou Ngāi Tahutanga.	Ko Ngā Whakapāpātanga Our dream is that all tribal members participate in tribal affairs and activities. Our goal is that the dreams and achievements of Ngāi Tahu Whānui are celebrated. Ko Ngā Whakapāpātanga.
Te Whakatipu Our dream is that our Papatipu Rūnanga (marae communities) remain the beating hearts of our tribal identity. Our goal is that Papatipu Rūnanga are economically vibrant and culturally strong. Te Whakatipu.	Te Whakaariki Our dream is that Ngāi Tahu is a responsible contributor and decision maker in Aotearoa and our takiwā (tribal territory). The goal is to build mutually beneficial relationships with government, private and community sectors to share responsibility for delivering shared outcomes. Te Whakaariki.	Te Ao Tūroa Our dream is that our ancestral landscape is protected and our people have living relationships with their whakapapa and traditions through the environment. The goal is that Ngāi Tahu is a principled kaitiaki (steward) of our takiwā. Te Ao Tūroa.
Whānau Our dream is that Ngāi Tahu Whānui enjoy superb physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well being. The goal is that Ngāi Tahu successfully targets dedicated resources to meet identified whānau needs and aspirations. Whānau.	Mātauranga Our dream is that Ngāi Tahu Whānui enjoy life-long learning that equips them to create their own destiny. The goal is that educational opportunities relevant to our people are accessible and enriching. Mātauranga.	Te Pūtea Our dream is that, furthering our traditions of commercial success, our asset management is the wind in the sails of our tribal development. The goal is that our commercial growth has a cash yield to support our perpetual journey. Te Pūtea.