Rūnanga on the Road

The Rūnanga (previously Māori Ministry) held its first hui outside Wellington in September, gathering in Kirikiriroa Hamilton in a move set to be repeated around the motu (land).

The Rūnanga and the Territorial Governance Board signed a kawenata (covenant) in 2023, embedding shared authority with Māori into the structure of The Salvation Army and upholding the promises of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) within the movement.

While still relatively new, the Rūnanga intends holding hui in different locations in the coming months to meet as many whānau (family) as they can and support them in their mahi (work).

In September they were warmly welcomed by Community Ministries Manager Chris Fulford and members of his team in Hamilton and enjoyed a meet and greet with Kirikiriroa whānau ahead of the Rūnanga hui proper.

Rūnanga co-chair Bishop Te Kitohi Pikaahu (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu, Te Rarawa and Te Roroa) says thedecision to hold Rūnanga hui in different places was to get to know people and learn how best to support them.

‘Our presence here is to begin the engagement,’ he says. ‘Primarily we need to interact with The Salvation Army at the local level, at the congregational level, for encouragement and to identify where the Rūnanga can be of some assistance. We want to strengthen what’s already happening within The Salvation Army in respect of Māori: Māori engagement, Māori presence, Māori flourishing.

‘The most important thing is that this is part of what I believe we were established to do: to build relationships, to encourage them and to encourage Māori participation.’

Since the kawenata was signed, Bishop Kito says he’s seen some changes, but mainly at a higher level. ‘I’ve seen change around the board table, but this is the first time we’re on the ground. Only on these visits will we get an idea how Māori are and where we can help.’