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:
- Calvin Hart
- Janis de Thierry
- Haysley MacDonald
- Riki Palatchie
- Tony MacDonald
- Peter Meihana
- Wirihana de Thierry-Lukitau