The Trust was established in 2006, pursuant to the Māori Fisheries Act (2004), as a Mandated Iwi Organisation, and Iwi Aquaculture Organisation. The Trust has charitable status and is responsible for establishing cultural and social benefits for iwi members.  The Trust Deed has a provision for up to seven Trustees, who are elected in accordance with the deed.

The current Trustees are:

• Wendy Hynes, Chairperson
• Calvin Hart, Deputy Chairperson
• Haysley MacDonald
• Janis de Thierry
• Jeremy MacLeod
• Leigh MacDonald
• Riki Palatchie