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TE HUI O NGĀ WHARE ARIKI
[The Gathering Of The Whare Ariki]
PROGRAMME 2026
[Te Hōtaka 2026 — Te Hui O Ngā Whare Ariki]
Private & By Invitation Only
Any person arriving without an invitation or whose name does not appear on the approved attendance register will not be admitted.
Pākanae Maraeroa
Corner of State Highway 12 & Waiotemarama Gorge Road, Pākanae, RD3 Kaikohe, South Hokianga, Northland, NZ
Te Hokianga Nui a Kupe
4–7 November 2026
Host Whare Ariki — 2026
TE WHARE MĀTĀMUATANGA Ō IO – AOTEAROHĀ KĀWANATANGA
Purpose: Formal Ariki Regalia Required
- • To honour IO Supreme
- • To honour Kupe Nuku-roa
- • To honour Ngā Whare Ariki
- • To remember 20 March 1834 and 28 OCTOBER 1835 Covenant
WEDNESDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2026
[Wednesday, 4 November 2026]
2:00pm
WHARE ARIKI PŌHIRI — Arrival of Invited Whare Ariki
- • Song for Whare Ariki (The Journey)
- • Official Welcome PŌHIRI
- • Raising of the Flags of Each Whare Ariki
- • Official Individual & Group Photographs
- • Light refreshments, meet and greet
5:00pm
Accommodation Check-In
- • Settle Into Accommodation
- • Refresh and Prepare
6:00pm
WHAKAWHANAUNGATANGA — The Sacred Circle (Formal Attire)
- • Karakia (Opening Prayer)
- • Song for Whare Ariki (The Ariki)
- • Official Introductions of Whare Ariki
- • Introductions of Whānau
- • Song for Whare Ariki (The Tupuna)
7:30pm
Evening Dinner (Formal Attire)
- • Karakia (Prayer) & Meal
9:00pm
After Dinner
- • Fellowship
- • Networking
10:00pm
Karakia (Closing Prayer) — Retire & Rest
THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2026
[Thursday, 5 November 2026]
8:00am
Breakfast
9:00am
Karakia (Opening Prayer)
- • Other Tribal Nations Introductions
- • Discussions — Cooperative Business, Trade & Exchange, Non-Government Foundations
12:30pm
Lunch
2:00pm – 4:00pm
STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS — Round Table
- • Relationship Building
- • Future Planning
- • Future Gatherings
- • Collective Aspirations
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Shower and Prepare — Formal Regalia Required
5:00pm – 7:00pm
OFFICIAL ARIKI SIGNING — Charter of Alliance and Mutual Support
7:30pm
DINNER — Formal Evening Reception
- • Dress Code: Formal Attire
- • Celebration of the Whare Ariki
10:00pm
Karakia (Closing Prayer) — Retire & Rest
FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2026
[Friday, 6 November 2026]
5:00am
Pure Cleansing at Opononi — Please be on time
- • Song for Whare Ariki (The Anointing)
- • Karakia (Baptism Prayer)
- • White Robes with under garments Required
- • Tohi Ariki for Royal Bloodlines
- • Video and Group Photographs
- • Back to Marae to freshen up
8:00am
Breakfast (Pākanae Maraeroa)
After Breakfast
Freshen Up
9:00am
Opening Karakia — Hui Ariki in Wharenui (Attire: Semi-Formal)
- • Song for Whare Ariki (The Tupuna)
- • Host Welcome Speech
- • Anointing Certificates for NEW Ariki
PRESENTATIONS
12:30pm
Lunch
Rest and Refresh
7:30pm
Dinner
9:00pm
Open Information Sharing / Waiata (Song)
10:00pm
Karakia (Closing Prayer) — Retire & Rest
SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2026
[Saturday, 7 November 2026]
8:00am
Breakfast
9:00am
Karakia (Opening Prayer) — Mihimihi and Reflections
10:00am
COLLECTIVE EVALUATION
- • Recommendations
- • Future Planning
- • Next Hui Ariki Hosts
10:00am
Gifting Ceremony
10:45am
- • Lowering of the Flags
- • Closing Karakia
11:00am
Clean up
12:00pm
Official Closing — Karakia (Closing Prayer) — Depart at Leisure
Ngā Tūranga
Whare Ariki Requirements
Each Whare Ariki is requested to be represented by the following members wherever possible:
PŪKŌRERO
Official Orator and Speaker of the Whare. The Pūkōrero speaks on behalf of the Ariki and may speak in their own language.
TOHUNGA
Spiritual Adviser and Ceremonial Guide. Responsible for spiritual representation and participation in ceremonial proceedings.
RANGATIRA
Chief Administrator and Coordinator of Delegation Affairs.
POUTIRIAO
Guardian, Protector, and Security Representative. (At least one, maximum two)
Additional Whānau members may accompany the delegation at the discretion of each Whare Ariki. Any associated costs remain the responsibility of that Whare Ariki.
The purpose of these roles is to ensure that each Whare Ariki is represented in matters of ceremony, protocol, spirituality, organisation, safety, care, and protection throughout the duration of WHARE ARIKI 2026.
Flag Requirements
Each Whare Ariki is required to provide:
- • Two Whare Ariki Flags
- • Two professional silver flag holders
- • Flags are to be sent to the Host Whare Ariki no later than 31 October 2026
Postal Address
19 Waiotemarama Gorge Road, Opononi 0473, RD3 Kaikohe, Northland, New Zealand
- • One flag will be displayed at Pākanae Maraeroa
- • One flag will be flown during the Anointing Ceremony at Opononi at 5:00am on 6 NOVEMBER 2026
Ceremonial taonga, presentations, publications, websites, display material, and other items appropriate for representation are encouraged as part of the Whare Ariki presentation displays within the Wharenui.
Payment Schedule
Total Contribution: $1,000 NZD per person
- • RSVP and attendance numbers must be sent to: united.world.tribes.of.io@gmail.com
- • Late RSVPs will not be accepted
- • Confirmation of acceptance of the Te Kōtahitanga Charter must be returned by 31 JULY 2026
- • The official signing of the Te Kōtahitanga Charter shall take place during WHARE ARIKI 2026 on 6 NOVEMBER 2026
- • The Te Kōtahitanga Charter serves as the agreed framework for all participating Whare Ariki and their guests
- • Places are limited to 40 participants — confirmed in the order payment is received
- • Full payment must be received by 30 SEPTEMBER 2026
- • No refunds will be available following payment, cancellation, or withdrawal
Special Protocol
- • 1:30pm, 4 NOVEMBER 2026 — Pākanae Maraeroa. Arrive in full Ariki Regalia for the Pōhiri. Formal attire and Ariki Regalia are required.
- • Arrive in formal vehicles (any colour) displaying Ariki Plates. (Optional).
- • Ariki Plates may be purchased through Northern Signs, Kaikohe.
- • Borrowing an appropriate vehicle from whānau is also acceptable.
- • Bring two Whare Ariki Flags on 6m Flag Poles or send them to the Host Whare Ariki before the end of OCTOBER 2026.
- • Participate in the Collective Flag Raising and Flag Lowering Ceremonies, during which each Whare Ariki will be formally acknowledged.
- • Remain together at Pākanae Marae for the duration of the gathering as a sign of respect and commitment to relationship building.
- • Share meals collectively in the spirit of WHARE ARIKI. Whanaungatanga is paramount.
- • Confirm attendance numbers no later than 30 AUGUST 2026.
- • Confirmation of acceptance of the Te Kōtahitanga Charter must be returned by 30 AUGUST 2026.
- • The official signing of the Te Kōtahitanga Charter shall take place during WHARE ARIKI 2026 on 6 NOVEMBER 2026.
- • Each Whare Ariki is responsible for its accommodation and food contribution of $1,000 NZD per person.
- • Places are limited to 40 participants. Places will be confirmed in the order payment is received.
- • Full payment must be received by 30 OCTOBER 2026. No refunds will be available following payment, cancellation, or withdrawal.
- • All participating Whare Ariki are requested to have their websites completed and active by the end of AUGUST 2026.
- • Each Whare Ariki is expected to remain for the full duration of the gathering.
- • Zero tolerance for disrespectful conduct, behaviour, language, intimidation, or disruption.
- • The Host Whare Ariki reserves the right to remove any person whose conduct is deemed unacceptable. Such removals may be carried out by Poutiriao and authorised security personnel.
- • This Hui Ariki is PRIVATE and by invitation only.
- • Publication, promotion, livestreaming, recording, or public distribution of proceedings shall not occur without the collective agreement of participating Whare Ariki.
- • Information relating to WHARE ARIKI is to remain within invited and trusted sacred circles.
- • No drugs or alcohol are permitted during the gathering.
- • Persons not dressed appropriately for formal sessions may be denied entry to those proceedings.
- • Each Whare Ariki may bring a display board or presentation display for the conference venue.
- • Each Whare Ariki is encouraged to bring a minimum of fifty gifts for distribution during the gifting ceremony.
- • Any person claiming affiliation to a Whare Ariki is requested to carry the relevant whakapapa or genealogy supporting their connection.
Whare Ariki Hosts — 2026
TE WHARE MĀTĀMUATANGA Ō IO – AOTEAROHĀ KĀWANATANGA
Each Whare Ariki is required to provide:
Ngā Wāhi Tapu
Special Places
Arai Te Uru Nature Reserve
Te Hokianga-Nui o Kupe
Manea — Footprints of Kupe
Cultural heritage centre honouring the great navigator Kupe
Waipoua Forest — Tāne Mahuta
Lord of the Forest — the largest known living kauri tree
Pākanae Maraeroa — Moetara Motu Tongapōrutu
Ngāti Korokoro, Ngāti Wharara, me Te Pouka
RSVP & CONTACT
Email: united.world.tribes.of.io@gmail.com
Contact: 0273377577
Late RSVPs will not be accepted