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
• Jeremy MacLeod
• Riki Palatchie
• Tony MacDonald
• Peter Meihana