One hundred and fifty potential Tainui leaders converged on Turangawaewae Marae to participate in the inaugural Tainui Rangatahi Summit.

Rangatahi travelled from the South Island and Australia to attend. The summit was a key stepping stone, says Tainui Rangatahi Trust co-chair Norman Hill, in "connecting and reaffirming links" with the iwi’s younger generation.

"It’s been a positive experience for everyone involved," says Norman. "To see so many rangatahi actively participating and articulating their views and aspirations for the future is very important to us as a tribe, especially as they will be our leaders of the future."

The four-day summit included presentations on influential Tainui leaders such as Sir Robert Mahuta and Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu, mau rākau, waka ama and tāmoko workshops, and keynote speakers including Chief Judge Joe Williams and MP Nanaia Mahuta.

Participants were also involved in forums on social development, education, health and environment – areas the tribe would like to see more of its rangatahi involved in, says Norman, who was extremely appreciative of the assistance and sponsorship they received from Te Puni Kōkiri in support of the summit.

A major highlight for some of the rangatahi was a heritage trail to Kāwhia, an area of both cultural and historical significance to Waikato-Tainui, where participants were engaged in kōrero about Tainui history.

"To come here and listen to stories about our tūpuna is just so overwhelming. Learning more about our past will make us stronger for the future," said one rangatahi participant.