Rangitāne o Wairau reports resilient performance and record investments in Annual Report 2024
Rangitāne o Wairau has released its 2024 Annual Report, with Kaiwhakahaere Matua (General Manager) Corey Hebberd highlighting a year of resilient performance and record investments in cultural, educational, and environmental initiatives, despite ongoing economic challenges.
“This year, we have navigated inflationary pressures and market volatility while maintaining a strong focus on our whānau,” Hebberd said. “We are proud to report a year of strengthened partnerships, significant achievements, and continued investment in our people and our key priorities.”
Rangitāne o Wairau reported steady financial performance for the year ending 30 June 2024, with total revenue reaching $5 million, up from $4.1 million the previous year. Expenditure increased to $4.5 million from $3.2 million in 2023, reflecting Rangitāne’s commitment to investing in whānau initiatives and delivering on contracted commitments. The Group achieved an operating surplus of $505,000, and a net surplus of $1 million was recorded, marking a recovery from the $1.3 million deficit reported in 2023, when the Group faced downward pressure on its property portfolio valuations. Hebberd acknowledged the challenges presented by market conditions but reinforced Rangitāne’s commitment to sustainable financial management and long-term growth.
Key achievements highlighted in the Annual Report include the launch of Ara Rau, Wawata Kotahi, a new education strategy aimed at addressing the impacts of colonisation and empowering Rangitāne’s future in education. This initiative is complemented by new partnerships with Auckland University, Lincoln University, AUT, and Massey University, further enhancing Rangitāne’s presence in the education sector. Notably, $1.2 million in external funding was secured for a range of programmes and initiatives, underscoring the Group’s capacity and reputation to leverage partnership opportunities for its people.
Environmental leadership and kaitiakitanga remains a priority for Rangitāne. Over the past year, $276,000 was secured for investment into a cultural mapping and monitoring programme for the Wairau Wetlands, and $390,000 was secured from Te Wai Māori Trust to advance freshwater capacity and capability. The establishment of a new Kaitohu Taiao role marks a step forward in prioritising environmental and freshwater management.
Rangitāne continued to invest in its community, with 41 scholarships awarded this year, totalling $49,450, with an additional $22,400 provided by partners. Fifty three whānau received support through Pūtea Tautoko, with $23,205 allocated to supporting whānau aspirations and success. Additionally, 369 tamariki benefited from the Poroiwi Education Grant, with an investment of $27,675 in managing back to school costs.
Collaboration is a recurring theme in the Annual Report. Hebberd highlighted the importance of working collectively to advance Rangitāne’s strategic goals, noting stronger partnerships with local councils, health providers, and education institutions. New initiatives such as Ka Uruora Te Tauihu, which promotes financial independence, and Te Kāhui Hauora o Te Tauihu, which shapes health priorities for Māori in Te Tauihu, demonstrate Rangitāne’s ongoing commitment to whānau wellbeing.
Looking ahead, Hebberd expressed confidence in Rangitāne’s future.
“Every decision we make is guided by our strategic plan and values, ensuring the prosperity and wellbeing of the Rangitāne whānau of the future. We remain focused on building a strong, resilient future for our iwi.”
You can view the 2024 Annual Report here.
Corey Hebberd (Kaiwhakahaere Matua – General Manager) and
Jodie Palatchie (Kaiwhakahaere Whakapā – Communications Manager)