He kākano i ruia mai i RangiāteaTamoko Whenua Development Collective
Weaving together traditional knowledge and contemporary practice to create sustainable futures for Te Tai Tokerau.
Ō Mātou Kōrero
Tamoko Whenua Development Collective was born from a vision shared by a group of Māori leaders and community developers in Te Tai Tokerau. Our name, which translates to 'the contours of the land,' reflects our deep connection to whenua and our commitment to sustainable development that honors the natural landscape and its people.
Founded in 2010, our collective has grown from a small whānau initiative to a respected iwi-Māori organization working across Northland. We bring together mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) with contemporary development practices to create innovative solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities in our rohe.
Our work is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and we are committed to upholding the mana motuhake of hapū and iwi while fostering meaningful partnerships with government, businesses, and community organizations.
Te Whāinga Matua
"Whakatipu rawa, whakapakari hapori, whakamana i te iwi Māori me ōna hapori katoa."
"To grow resources, strengthen communities, and empower Māori and all our communities."
Ō Mātou Uara
Kaitiakitanga
We uphold our responsibility as kaitiaki to protect and nurture our taiao (environment) for future generations.
Whanaungatanga
We build and maintain strong, meaningful relationships that connect us to our communities and whenua.
Manaakitanga
We extend care, respect, and hospitality to all, honoring the mana of every individual and community.
Kotahitanga
We work in unity and solidarity, recognizing that together we are stronger and can achieve more.
Te Aronga
Our approach is deeply rooted in Te Ao Māori perspectives, recognizing the interconnectedness of all things. We work with whānau, hapū, and iwi to develop solutions that are culturally grounded, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable.
We believe in the power of mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) and combine this with contemporary development practices to create innovative solutions. Our approach is:
- Whānau-centered: Prioritizing the wellbeing and aspirations of whānau in all our work
- Place-based: Developing solutions that are specific to the whenua and communities we serve
- Intergenerational: Making decisions that consider the impact on future generations
- Collaborative: Working in partnership with communities, iwi, and stakeholders
Through this approach, we aim to create meaningful, lasting change that honors our past while building a sustainable future for generations to come.
Meet Our Team
Passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference in our communities
Alex Johnson
Co-Founder & CEO
Alex has over 15 years of experience in sustainable development and community engagement.
Māia Williams
Head of Community Development
Māia specializes in indigenous community development and cultural preservation.
David Chen
Technical Director
David leads our technical initiatives with a focus on sustainable technology solutions.