Kaimahi rangahau Lee Luke recently presented to the third national wānanga designed to encourage collaboration and engagement between Community Trusts and Foundations from around the country. Underpinning these wānanga is a commitment to gaining a mutual understanding and purpose relevant to Māori and Te Tiriti. The event was hosted by Rātā Foundation.

Established in 1988, Rātā Foundation (formerly known as Trust Bank Community Trust) was created as part of a network of Community Trusts across Aotearoa to support community initiatives and grow capability within organisations helping our communities. Rāta covers the Waitaha, Tai Poutini, Te Tau Ihu and Rekohu/Wharekauri regions and former Ngāti Rārua Iwi Trustee Sharon Gemmell is a current Board Member.

Attended by Board members and kaimahi representing their respective trusts, the wānanga provide an enriched experience of continuous learning and further insights into the history of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and specifically the latest wānanga included a Te Waipounamu mana whenua perspective.

Held at Rāpaki Marae on the Banks Peninsula the wānanga was an opportunity for Ngāi Tahu and Te Tau Ihu to present our history, experiences and perspectives relating to Te Tiriti. Lee presented on behalf of Tokomaru Research Centre focusing on the connection between Te Tau Ihu and Te Tiriti and the impacts on iwi especially Ngāti Rārua and the iwi of the heke.