DRAFT Pou Tahua Symposium / NICF July 2025
- ALL AGES
Kaitiakitanga - Safeguarding our future for Whakatōhea. Taku Pākihikura ki uta, taku Pākihikura kit tai, ina te ora o tōku iwi
Date and time
Location
Pou Tahua Symposium: Omarumutu Marae / NICF Day 1 & 2: Te Poho o Rawiri Marae
MULTIPLE SITES CHECK OVERVIEW SECTION, 4010 New ZealandAgenda
9:00 AM
Pōhiri
Led by Ngāti Irapuaia / Ngāti Tamatea hapū
9:30 AM
Kapu Tī & Registration
Hosted by the Secretariat and local catering team
9:45 AM
Opening Karakia
Delivered by Te Kāhautu Maxwell
10:00 AM
Opening Address
Arihia Tuoro
10:15 AM
Ngā Rawa Tātou: Harnessing Aquaculture for Iwi Prosperity
Speaker: Dickie Farrar
10:45 AM
Balancing Economic Growth with our Environment
Speaker: Danny Paruru
11:15 AM
Future-Proofing: Youth Empowerment Through Education
Speaker: Hohepa Hei
11:45 AM
Pou Tahua Updates
Speaker: Jamie Tuuta
1:00 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM
Buses Depart for Regional Tours
2:00 PM
Transport to Gisborne Departs
About this event
- Event lasts 7 hours
- ALL AGES
- Free venue parking
Join us at the historic Ōmarumutu Marae in Ōpōtiki for the opening day of the National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF) 2025 – a gathering that brings together iwi leadership, policy influencers, rangatahi, and stakeholders from across Aotearoa.
This day will begin with a powerful hapū-led pōhiri, followed by a series of impactful presentations from respected speakers in the fields of iwi aquaculture development, environmental stewardship, youth empowerment, and iwi economic leadership.
Attendees will hear from voices grounded in kaupapa Māori and actively shaping the future of our communities, including:
- Arihia Tuoro – Opening address
- Dickie Farrar – Harnessing Aquaculture for Iwi Prosperity
- Danny Paruru – Balancing Economic Growth with Environmental Integrity
- Hohepa Hei – Empowering Youth Through Education
- Jamie Tuuta – Pou Tahua updates and strategic financial direction
Participants can expect:
- A culturally grounded and mana-enhancing welcome
- Whanaungatanga with iwi leaders from across the motu
- Space for dialogue and insight into current and future priorities
- Delicious kai and manaakitanga throughout the day
- Afternoon tours that showcase regional development opportunities
Whether you're an iwi leader, rangatahi, policy advisor or community representative, this day offers rich engagement, strategy, and a unique opportunity to be part of iwi-driven innovation and leadership.
Frequently asked questions
Each iwi member can register up to 4 attendees. Additional participants may attend with Pou Lead approval and will be invoiced after the event. Fees per person: Full NICF Programme – $350. Asset Holding/Pou Tahua Symposium – $75. NICF Dinner – $100. NICF Day 1 – $100. NICF Day 2 – $75
No, late registration is not allowed.
The Chair has to approve all transfers, please get in touch if necessary.
No.
Yes, but it must be arranged 2 weeks ahead of the event through the Secretariat.
Yes, refunds are available up to 2 weeks before the event.
No. On-site registration is not available. All registrations must be completed in advance.
Registered iwi Chairs will receive the board pack via email or secure access seven business days before the forum.
Only registered Iwi Chairs can sit at the table and vote. Advisors and technicians may sit behind their respective Chairs for support.
Yes, if approved by Pou Leads and not counted among the 4 standard attendees. These additional attendees will be invoiced separately after the forum.
No. Each attendee must be registered with their own unique email address. You cannot register multiple attendees using the same email. The exact email address of each attendee is required to complete the registration for NICF hui sessions.