Thinking About Standing as a Trustee?
- Anita Tipene
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
Across Aotearoa, many Māori trusts exist to protect whenua, support whānau, and carry forward the aspirations of our tūpuna. These organisations rely on people willing to step forward and serve their communities through governance.
Trusteeship is not always something people plan for. Often it begins with a simple question:
Who will help guide the future of our people and our resources?
Sometimes the answer is someone who quietly puts their hand up.
What Does a Trustee Actually Do?
Trustees are responsible for governance, not day-to-day operations. Their role is to guide the direction of the organisation, ensure decisions are made responsibly, and protect the assets and kaupapa of the trust.
In a Māori charitable trust, trusteeship carries particular responsibilities. Trustees must balance:
the legal duties of charity governance
the expectations of beneficiaries
the values and tikanga of the community they serve
Trustees help to:
set strategic direction
oversee financial stewardship
ensure transparency and accountability
make decisions about programmes, partnerships, and funding
protect the long-term interests of beneficiaries and future generations
It is a role built on service, judgement, and collective decision-making.
Trusteeship in a Māori Context
For Māori organisations, governance is often about more than compliance or administration. It is about kaitiakitanga.
Trustees become guardians of:
whakapapa
whenua and heritage
cultural knowledge and community relationships
Good trustees understand that decisions made today affect mokopuna tomorrow. They help ensure that resources are used wisely and that opportunities created today strengthen the next generation.
The Story Behind NUOMRKH
Ngā Uri o Maikuku rāua ko Huatakaroa 1891 Trust was established in 2019 by Te Tii (Waitangi) B3 Trust as a charitable vehicle to advance the aspirations of our people.
The Trust was created to support charitable purposes such as:
promoting health and wellbeing
supporting education
relieving hardship
maintaining marae and cultural spaces
advancing initiatives that benefit our wider community.
Since its establishment, the Trust has been working to build a foundation for long-term impact. Our strategic planning has focused on strengthening whānau wellbeing, supporting hapū development, preserving cultural knowledge, and improving engagement with beneficiaries.
More recently, feedback from our whānau survey confirmed that housing stability, wellbeing, cultural connection, and easier access to support systems remain key priorities for our people.
These insights continue to shape the direction of the Trust.
Why Trustees Matter
Every trust needs people willing to step forward and take responsibility for governance.
Trustees do not need to have every answer. What matters most is:
commitment to the kaupapa
good judgement
respect for tikanga and community
willingness to work collaboratively
Strong governance often comes from diverse perspectives. Different skills, life experiences, and viewpoints help trustees make better decisions for the whole community.
Why You Might Consider Standing
Many people hesitate to stand for governance roles. Sometimes they feel they are not experienced enough or that someone else is more qualified. But governance is also about learning, service, and contribution.
Standing as a trustee can be a way to:
give back to your community
contribute your skills and experience
help shape future opportunities for whānau
strengthen the foundations for future generations
Whether it is for NUOMRKH or another community organisation, governance roles rely on people who are willing to take responsibility for the long-term wellbeing of their people.
The 2026 Trustee Election
Ngā Uri o Maikuku rāua ko Huatakaroa 1891 Trust is currently seeking nominations for the 2026 Trustee Election.
This year, the Board has resolved to expand from three to five members. As a result, three elected Trustee positions are available.
Candidates must be nominated by a Tūpuna Whānau Representative of Te Tii (Waitangi) B3 Trust, and nominations are managed independently by Election Services.
Nominations close strictly at 12 noon on Friday 20 March 2026.
If you are interested in standing, or would like to discuss the possibility with your Tūpuna Whānau Representative, now is the time to begin that conversation.
To obtain a nomination form or for more information on the process, please contact Election Services directly:
Email: info@electionservices.co.nz
Phone: 0800 922 822
Looking Ahead
Governance is about more than today’s decisions. It is about protecting a legacy and creating opportunities for the future.
The work of NUOMRKH is still growing. The aspirations of our whānau remain strong, and the Trust continues to develop initiatives that support wellbeing, cultural connection, and long-term community resilience.
None of that happens without people willing to step forward. If you have ever thought about contributing in this way, this may be the moment to consider it.
