The beginning of the Runanga.

Rangitāne o Wairarapa was first established back in 1989 with the introduction of the Runanga Act 1989.

It was at this time that many iwi entities were being set up around the motu. Rangitāne kaumātua Kuki and Jim Rimene were some of the first to rally behind the iwi entity to ensure that Rangitānetanga was being catered for. In those early days the focus was researching whakapapa and education. There was a strong demand for many to learn te reo and in particular to recapture the local Rangitāne korero. It was a busy time as Rangitāne kaumātua were also putting together their Waitangi Tribunal claim (WAI 175) and working with their Rangitāne whanaunga in Manawatu, Tamaki Nui a Rua and Wairau to establish their iwi entities. Soon after that the four takiwa (branches) of Rangitāne formed the Te Runanganui o Rangitāne committee which was a forum to discuss common issues. Another project was developing at the time and that was the establishment of the Kurahaupo Waka Society which brought together Rangitāne, Ngāti Apa and Muaupoko. All in all, these several themes gave impetus to the setting up of our runanga.

The Runanga today

Today the runanga has staff that cover a wide range of roles and responsibilities. We also have an Executive Board that oversees the strategic development of the iwi. Our roles and responsibilities include:

• Community leadership

• Cultural advice

• Resource Management

• Treaty Settlement

• Working with Crown and Local Government

• Relationship building with other iwi, local business and other services

• Whānau Ora

• Social Worker in Schools

• Working with Youth

• Whānau Advocacy

• Parenting programmes

• Whakapapa and registrations

• Customary Fishing

• Iwi representation in Health

• Arts Cultural Heritage.