Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s place in the local, national and global market

At Whai Rawa, our role is clear—to grow and manage the commercial assets of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei in a way that secures long-term prosperity for our whānau. That means being strategic, future-focused, and proactive, with an eye on local, national and global markets. It also means ensuring that we are at the table for key national and international conversations that shape investment opportunities in Aotearoa.

Earlier this month, I attended the Infrastructure Investment Summit in Tāmaki Makaurau, hosted by the New Zealand Government. This was a major event, with strong attendance from domestic and international investors, iwi representatives, and senior government officials, including the Prime Minister and key Ministers. The discussions reinforced the significant infrastructure investment needed in Aotearoa—estimated at $30 billion per year for the next three decades.

A key point from the summit was the clear recognition of iwi as credible and investment-ready partners, and speakers acknowledged the importance of iwi co-investment in infrastructure projects such as hospitals, prisons, and roading.  Infrastructure was presented as a space where investors can not only generate strong commercial returns but also contribute to the long-term development of our country. Whai Rawa will be proactively assessing this sector.

This focus on investment readiness aligns with the findings of Te Ōhanga Māori 2023, which was released this month. The report highlights the extraordinary growth of the Māori economy, with a remarkable 83% increase in our asset base since 2018. Today, Māori assets are valued at $126 billion, reflecting the strength of Māori businesses and entrepreneurship. This is an incredible testament to the resilience and innovation of iwi Māori.

Earlier this week the Iwi Investment Report by TDB Advisory was released highlighting the strength of iwi commercial entities. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei was noted for having one of the largest and most actively managed property portfolios among iwi, with our landholdings primarily in central Tāmaki Makaurau. While market conditions have been challenging across the property sector, our diversified tenants, strategic developments, and prudent gearing mean we are well-positioned to benefit as the market recovers.

And while there are positives from both reports, Te Ōhanga Māori 2023 reminded us there are persistent disparities that need to be addressed. Māori home ownership rates remain lower than those of non-Māori, and government support still plays a larger role in sustaining many Māori households. These realities highlight the ongoing need for strong, values-driven commercial leadership to build pathways to economic independence and long-term security for our whānau.

At Whai Rawa, we are committed to ensuring that our commercial success translates into real benefits for whānau. Our current focus includes securing a long-term lease for 246 Ōrākei Road and exploring development opportunities on the North Shore. By maximising returns on our assets, we place ourselves in a stronger position to support the Trust in uplifting whānau—whether through housing solutions on the papa kāinga, funding essential services, or reinvesting in initiatives that address the disparities identified in Te Ōhanga Māori.

The path forward requires bold thinking, strategic action, and a clear vision. Whai Rawa is focused on delivering sustainable growth while ensuring that every decision we make strengthens the economic future of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

Ngā mihi,
Grant Kemble
CEO, Whai Rawa