Arikinui Ripekatangi’s message was clear to marae that are maintaining a Covid 19 culture: the unvaccinated tangata don’t feel as connected, as the days of when the culture made us feel fully part of our marae. This new COVID culture is being maintained outside of the marae with continued reminders from health providers to “get your Covid 19 shot and all the boosters, for your safety and the safety of your whanau and marae”. Arikinui continues to say “We need to be prepared for any global pandemics and provide protection for our health sovereignty.”

Arikinui Ripekatangi thanked mana whenua of Ngati Kahungungu of Kurahaupo waka, Hastings Heretaunga for their presence who uphold He Wakaputanga as the sovereign law of precedence in Nu Tireni New Zealand. Members and observers enjoyed a lunch together at the conclusion of te mihi whakatau.

Strategic Business Planning

“to create the framework of governance according to He Wakaputanga within which people can live freely abiding by Tikanga and the application of their talents have the potential to be healthy, wealthy and wise“

Wakaminenga Maori Government Strategic Aim

The components of a free society were identified as jurisdiction, currency, education, health and a free market.

Reference was made to the principles of the NTM system

• The foundation for the creation of credit is the authority of the People
• NTM represents the worth that results from their innovation, ideas, inspiration, energy, enthusiasm and effort to  create value.
• Eventually the ability to create credit on the basis of trust not debt will devolve to each individual once they can bear the responsibility.

The goal is to encourage as many creators of goods and services of value as possible to enter into Tikanga Trading System to facilitate prosperity and encourage abundance for all.

The components of the banking system to underpin use of NTM was outlined as well as the goal of having members settle outstanding debts rated in NZD by using NTM. The milestones to achieve this in the immediate, short and medium terms were described.

Tikanga Trade

The not-for-profit and business types currently listed range from Website and Graphic design services, Structural engineering, Clothing and promotional wear, Accommodation, Creative writing services, Domestic violence specialist, Social work, Clinical supervision, Education, Therapy, Building, Sculpting, Carving, Illustration, Signwriting, Knife-making, College of Natural Therapies, Courier services, Whānau Support, Rental advice, Musical entertainment, Barbering and a number of other services. 

Te Huinga o Nga Whare Kaihanga, The Network of Construction Builders is a new initiative that operates as a working group of construction providers,  Tikanga Law, and Tikanga Trade and Finance members who advise on business operations. 

Ongoing support and solutions will be required for the construction industry.  Members commit to providing robust, durable, warm, dry, cost effective dwellings, commercial buildings, roading, supply services and general infrastructure.

The Statute of Ruhukia defines the enablement of Banking and Currency and gives specific provision for our sovereign currency Nu Tireni Moni (NTM) to function as a means of transaction for goods and services for those with BNT accounts. The Nu Tireni Financial Year operates within 1st February – 31st January. 

Visit our Tikanga Trade website by clicking the button below

Q&A

Wakaminenga National Congress leaders held a discussion and Q&A, receiving positive feedback on both presentations. WMG was recognized for their strategic planning and actions under He Wakaputanga.

Appointments and Commendations

• Mrs Russell was appointed Head of Tikanga Trade. She has experience in finance, business administration, and co-owns businesses in property and accommodation.
• Dr Heidi Ward, Veterinarian, received a written commendation to represent Wakaminenga Maori Government at the Las Vegas World CrossFit Games (September 2025) and at the Australian and New Zealand Masters CrossFit Games (October 2025).

Day one concluded at 4.30 pm with a blessing and prayer from Ngati Kahungungu mana whenua. 

Sunday workshops allowed for leaders to share ideas for developing an economic system to benefit individuals, families and communities at all levels of social development.

Health and Well Being

Health care following the Tiaki Hauora Model emphasises the integral role of nutrition in recovery, the provision of safe pharmaceutical interventions, and prioritising individual health sovereignty. Agreements with farmers and food producers will ensure the cultivation of organic produce and the implementation of humane animal husbandry practices to safeguard both human and animal welfare. Measures will be adopted to protect the right to choose health care options, particularly in the context of mandates and global pandemics that could affect national and individual autonomy.

Health practitioners will represent a broad spectrum of disciplines, including medicine, specialised surgery, naturopathy, rongoa, chiropractic care, dietary and exercise coaching, and other health professions. The philosophy underpinning this approach encourages self-responsibility in health management within an economy capable of supporting such principles. Before the workshop was held, plans were made to start four pilot projects on clinical and mobile services and build a 100-bed hospital with operating theatres as part of Tiaki Hauora’s initial investment, with work expected to begin in 2026. Wakaminenga Maori Government invites private investors to participate in these projects, contact +64 278713044 for more information.

Education – Matauranga Mahi Toi (The Arts)

Education, Matauranga Mahi Toi (The Arts)  – Rangatira Wayne from Taitokerau, who has teaching experience, discussed the integration of the arts into professional development. He suggested that various forms of creative expression, including toi Maori, can contribute to career growth. Workshop participants had backgrounds in writing, leadership, and private enterprise.  Wayne noted that the arts are often overlooked due to current social and economic changes, which affect the availability of time, resources, and other conditions conducive to creativity.  

Construction and Building

The workshop expressed the perspective that all individuals in New Zealand should have access to housing. Home ownership rates, have increased for those who can afford the cost with statistics showing 66 percent increase in 2023 up from 64 percent in 2018. . Rental properties and emergency accommodation are increasingly prevalent, while delays in New Zealand government housing projects are attributed to elevated interest rates in the private banking sector where all government loans are sourced. Industry experts have proposed solutions that emphasise improving access to finance, land, water, and infrastructure for young people and families. While diversification of building materials is encouraged, the primary objective remains the provision of safe, durable, warm, and structurally sound homes. Alongside home construction, the development of an apprenticeship programme has also been suggested. Te Huinga o Nga Whare Kaihanga – Network of Construction and Building plays a pivotal role in advancing this important initiative.  

Further discussions highlighted the importance of integrating cultural values and holistic wellbeing into all aspects of community development, with participants sharing innovative proposals for sustainable resource management and collaborative investment in infrastructure. There was a strong emphasis on empowering local leadership and fostering partnerships that respect both traditional knowledge and modern expertise, reinforcing the shared aspiration to create resilient, self-sufficient communities. This collaborative spirit carried through to the afternoon sessions, where attention shifted  presentation of the Drivers Licences pilot program.

For further information on the above workshops, please email admin@govt.maori.nz