Te Arawa Arataua | Te Arawa Primary Sector was created from a need to address the common issues that unite Māori landowners and encourage greater collaboration and advocacy on the most pressing challenges and opportunities affecting us as primary sector operators. 

The collective was officially established on 31 August 2011, with 15 representatives of Te Arawa land blocks signing a register in Nukuteapiapi to form an incorporated society.

The following year, we received funding from Te Puni Kokiri to establish a framework to achieve our Charter objectives. The kaupapa was divided into four stages, setting out the blueprint for our future.

Since then, we have focused on various kaupapa, ensuring we are a voice for our members and that they’re kept up to date with the latest information and movements. Kaupapa we have worked on and continue to work on include: 

• Iwi Resource Development
• Mānuka Feasibility
• Te Arawa Land Use Strategy
• Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Modelling
• Rotorua Land Use Directory – Tahuri Whenua
• BOPRC Mānuka for Oil Trial 
• Māori Farms Database
• Te Mana o Te Wai 
• Pohewa Pae Tawhiti – Visualising Horizons (an Our Land & Water National Science Challenge)

Today, we are the largest collective of Te Arawa landowners harnessing the whenua for use in the primary industries, representing more than 30 members or affiliate organisations.

With this influence, we will continue supporting our members, encouraging collaboration and uniting to tackle common issues and capitalise on opportunities for primary sector operators.