Whanganui iwi register update

Date Created: July 27, 2020

A major drive is being led by Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui to ensure that descendants of the river remain connected to the iwi organisation, by updating the Whanganui iwi register.

The Kaitātari specialist team has been set up to update and confirm the contact details of the 11-thousand tribal members on the iwi database.

“Our organisation identified through the Covid-19 lockdown that there was a real need for the database to be updated,” Kaitātari member Kahurangi Simon said.

“There was a lot of old records, a lot of people who have passed away. Peoples’ numbers were no longer active and emails were bouncing back, so when it came to trying to communicate with our whānau, there was a real gap there.”

Kaitātari member Kim Ranginui said the work has been intensive, but it has also seen her form new connections with whānau.

“One whānau I got in touch with have been living in Christchurch for generations and when she saw my name, she told me that we were probably related and that we should keep in contact,” Ranginui said.

“I’m pretty sure we have all had that – it makes the work even more rewarding.”

Kahurangi Simon said one of their biggest challenges is not being able to reach people on the register to update their details, because their information is outdated.

Therefore, the team is urging Whanganui iwi members to get in touch with Ngā Tāngata Tiaki to make sure their contact details are up to date.

Simon said the iwi organisation wants to be in a position where it can offer support to its tribal members in times of need.

To check or confirm your details, please email: iwiregistrations@ngatangatatiaki.co.nz or phone the office at (06) 281 3375 or 0800 AWA TUPUA (0800 292 8878)

You can register yourself by clicking here: https://dev.ngatangatatiaki.co.nz/for-your-benefit/registrations/