PĀTAKA POLICY: PROVISION OF FISH AND KAIMOANA.
What is the Pātaka?
In 2010 the Whanganui Iwi commercial fisheries MIO (Mandated Iwi Organisation), Te Whiringa Muka Trust, implemented a policy – commonly referred to as the ‘Pātaka’ – for the provision of fish and kaimoana for tangihanga and significant iwi and hapū events. With the passing of the Te Awa Tupua Act1 Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui Trust (the Trust) has become the commercial fisheries MIO. The Trust is pleased to continue to support the Pātaka policy for the benefit of the Iwi, hapū, and whānau of Whanganui.
What kaupapa are eligible for Pātaka support?
As has been the case since 2010, the Pātaka can be accessed by all Whanganui Iwi, hapū, whānau and marae for: 1. Tangihanga; 2. Significant iwi/hapū events; 3. Hapū, iwi or marae AGMs; and 4. Kaumātua birthday celebrations.
Each of the above categories has specific criteria. Please take careful note of the criteria and the timeframes for applications under each category.
Response timeframes from the Trust
The Trust will endeavour to meet tangihanga requests within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving notice.
For all other applications, applications must be received at least one (1) month out from the event, the Trust will provide a response within two (2) weeks of receiving your application. We recommend that your application is sent well in advance of a month prior, in case further information is required.
How do I apply to the Pātaka?
Tangihanga:
For tangihanga, Pātaka support may be applied for without prior notice by calling 0800 PATAKA (728 252) or emailing pataka@ngatangatatiaki.co.nz.
All other categories:
All other applications must be received at least one (1) month out from an event and must be submitted to the Trust in writing (i.e. by letter or email) outlining the following: 1. The name of the whānau, marae, hapū or iwi organisation making the application; 2. The category being applied for (Significant Iwi/Hapū hui; AGM; or Kaumātua Birthday); 3. All relevant details regarding the event including nature of the event, numbers expected to attend and the date support is required.
Please note: a. The Pātaka is for charitable purposes only. Support will not be provided ‘for profit’ events i.e. events or contributions to an event that will generate a private profit for an individual or business.
1 Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Act 2017
b. There are set packages for allocations of support for each category. c. All applications must come through the Trust. Applications cannot be directed to the Pātaka supplier (BHC Limited operating as Georges Fisheries).
Additional Policy Detail:
Tangihanga
The Pātaka can be accessed for tangihanga of Whanganui uri, whāngai or a taonga of a Whanganui marae. Taonga of a Whanganui marae is where the tūpāpaku is not uri or whāngai of Whanganui Iwi but is resting at a Whanganui marae.
Where there are exceptional, unforeseen, or emergency circumstances that require additional assistance to ease hardship, special consideration may be given at the discretion of the Trust.
Significant Iwi/Hapū events
A significant Iwi/Hapū event is an important or extraordinary event hosted by marae, hapū or iwi that are of significance to that marae, hapū and iwi and that involve hosting of significant numbers or hosting of a significant kaupapa. Applications must be received at least one (1) month prior to the event.
Hapū, iwi and Marae AGM’s
Pātaka assistance is available for Whanganui hapū, iwi and marae Annual General Meetings (AGM’s) providing that an application is received at least one (1) month prior to the AGM with evidence of public notice provided.
Kaumātua birthday celebrations
The Pātaka can be accessed to support Whanganui kaumātua birthday celebrations at 70 years of age and then again at 80 years. Thereafter each 5-year milestone celebration is eligible for Pātaka support (e.g. 85, 90, 95 years old etc). Applications must be received at least one (1) month prior to the celebration.
Where do I send my written application?
Tangihanga applications can be made by phone on 0800 PATAKA (728 252) and by email to pataka@ngatangatatiaki.co.nz.
All other applications can be sent to Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui, PO Box 544, Whanganui, or delivered to 357 Victoria Avenue, Whanganui or sent by email to pataka@ngatangatatiaki.co.nz.
Where can I get more information?
Further information about the pātaka is available by calling 0800 PATAKA (0800 728 252) or by visiting www.ngatangatatiaki.co.nz.
Can I gather kaimoana myself?
Yes, this can be done by being issued a customary fishing permit. Permits are approved by the registered Kaitiaki. More information about customary fishing permits is available by calling 0800 PATAKA (728 252).

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