He Iwi Kotahi Tauranga Moana Charitable Trust
The Trust’s mission is to educate, connect, celebrate and advocate with the objective to create unity among the people of New Zealand as envisaged in the Treaty of Waitangi.
Celebrate Waitangi Day 2026 at Tauranga’s Historic Village
Join us on 6 February 2026 at the Historic Village in Tauranga for the annual Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival – a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and community.
This special day is not only a time to reflect on the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and what it means for us today, but also a chance to honour Tauranga’s rich multicultural identity. The festival brings people together from all walks of life to connect, learn, and celebrate.
What to expect in 2026:
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- More live music than ever before! Our main stage will be packed with an exciting lineup of local performers.
- Delicious kai from a range of food trucks, along with boutique market stalls and talented local artisans.
- Whānau-friendly fun with games, activities, and entertainment for all ages.
- Waitangi Day Festival Art Competition — open to tamariki and rangatahi on the day. Be part of it and you could win an awesome goodie bag!
Mark your calendars and bring the whole whānau for a day of celebration, connection, and fun at Tauranga Moana’s Waitangi Day Festival 2026.
Our Kaupapa
Kaupapa Māori education and raising awareness around our National Day
- We create resources for use in schools that align with the curriculum.
- We hold a Treaty signing video competition with schools annually.
- Run a Treaty Training Programme specifically for the workplace.
Promote unity across all cultures & ethnicities
HE IWI KOTAHI – TOGETHER AS ONE
The greatness of unity is that everyone is respected for their views and beliefs. He Iwi Kotahi believes unity creates a sense of belonging and increases well-being for all.
Our community events promote Kaupapa Māori, unity & Treaty education
- We host and support community events that promote Kaupapa Māori, community unity and education about the Treaty.
- Our flagship event is held on Waitangi Day for our local Bay of Plenty communities at The Historic Village with Māori arts & cultural performances, live music and workshops.
- Host an Annual Lecture Series around Waitangi Day.
The Trust fosters collaborative relationships with local and regional groups
We work with tangata whenua, existing arts, culture & heritage organisations, the business community, the education sector and other ethnic groups.
The Trustees
Richard Cameron
Chairperson
Richard is a secondary educator who has taught in Sydney, London and now Tauranga as HOD Social Studies at Mount Maunganui College. He has a passion for bringing learning from the classroom to life through community connections, so jumped at the opportunity to join He Iwi Kotahi Tauranga Moana Charitable Trust.
Richard and his family moved to Tauranga in 2019 – a return home for his wife who was born and raised in the Mount.
Buddy Mikaere
Trustee
Buddy Mikaere is a professional historian by qualification and specialises in Māori consultation and associated activities. For over twenty-five years he has facilitated Māori consultation for many development projects working closely with government departments, local government, large corporate companies, iwi entities and private clients.
Since returning to live in Tauranga and Coromandel, Buddy has created a consultancy company where he is responsible for the environmental and development interests of the Ngai Tamarawaho hapu of Ngati Ranginui, the Ngati Pukenga Iwi ki Tauranga runanga and a similar representative role for Ngati Pukenga ki Waiau (Coromandel).
Ana Toneato
Trustee
Ana is originally from Brazil and spent 4.5 years living in Paris, followed by 14 years in London, before relocating to Tauranga in 2020 with her Kiwi partner and their children. She holds a BA in International Relations and has a strong background in designing and delivering projects, services, and workshops within the non for profit sector. Her experience includes securing and managing resources to support initiatives, building strategic relationships, preparing funding bids, and evaluating applications. She is particularly passionate about working in cross-functional teams, business planning, and fostering long-term strategic partnerships.
Matika Kohu
Trustee
Ko Ma, ka Kohu toku ingoa, Ko Tauranga te moana, Ko Mauao te maunga, Ko Nga, Ranginui te iwi, Ko Ngai Tamarawaho te Hapu, Ko Takitimu te waka, Ko Huria te marae, Ko Tamatea-pokai whenua te tangata
I accepted the invitation to join the board because I believe I have much to offer, particularly in my ability to connect people through shared experiences and a diverse background. I understand the perspectives of many different communities, which allows me to build bridges and create inclusive spaces where all voices are heard. I also bring a fresh perspective that fosters creative, culturally grounded thinking.
our funders
