In the early hours of Thursday 30 October 2025, members of the northern Ngatiwai tribe gathered at the Tutukaka marina for a 22 km boat trip to the Poor Knights Islands.
Ngatiwai is a multi-million-dollar tribal business conglomerate with 8,000 members. Registered as a charity, it pays no tax. Its income is derived largely from fisheries settlements, equity holdings, managed funds, Government contracts, commercial property, and consultation fees. As of 2024, it has an asset base of over $21.3 million and a property portfolio that includes the Oceans Resort Hotel in Tutukaka, the Bland Bay campground, and the Westpac and Warehouse buildings in downtown Whangarei.
