Whenua Development Consultants

Strengthening Iwi & Hapū
through whenua.

We partner with Māori communities across Aotearoa to navigate the purchase, development, and protection of ancestral and strategic lands — ensuring prosperity for generations to come.

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Our Mahi

Grounded in
kaupapa Māori.

We understand that whenua is more than land — it is identity, whakapapa, and the foundation upon which whānau thrive. Our work is guided by tikanga and driven by the aspirations of the communities we serve.

$120M+
Whenua transactions facilitated
30+
Iwi & Hapū partnerships
12k
Hectares under development
Services

How we support
your vision.

01

Whenua Acquisition

Strategic identification, due diligence, negotiation, and settlement support for Iwi and Hapū seeking to purchase whenua — including Treaty settlement lands and open-market opportunities.

02

Development Planning

Master planning, feasibility studies, and resource consent support to unlock the potential of whenua — from papakāinga housing to commercial and cultural developments.

03

Governance & Strategy

Supporting Iwi and Hapū governance structures with strategic advice, investment frameworks, and long-term asset management planning that honours tikanga and maximises outcomes.

04

Environmental & Cultural

Integrating mātauranga Māori into environmental assessments and ensuring cultural values — wāhi tapu, mahinga kai, and taonga species — are protected throughout all development.

Our Approach

Led by tikanga.
Driven by outcomes.

Every engagement begins with whanaungatanga — building genuine relationships. We listen to your aspirations, understand your whakapapa connection to whenua, and develop pathways that align with your values and long-term vision.

Whakarongo — Listen

Understanding your aspirations, history, and connection to whenua.

Whakamahere — Plan

Developing strategic, culturally grounded pathways forward.

Mahi Tahi — Work Together

Walking alongside you through every stage of acquisition and development.

Tiaki — Sustain

Ensuring whenua is protected and productive for future generations.

"Pupuke brought clarity and confidence to our whenua acquisition journey. Their deep understanding of both te ao Māori and the commercial landscape made all the difference."
TK
Te Kaha Roberts
Chair, Ngāti Raukawa Holdings
Our People

Experience rooted
in community.

Our team brings together deep expertise in property, law, finance, and tikanga Māori — unified by a commitment to Iwi and Hapū aspirations.

HM

Hana Mitchell

Managing Director

Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua

RK

Rawiri Kemp

Senior Development Advisor

Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa

AP

Aroha Patel

Legal & Governance Lead

Ngāi Tahu

TW

Tama Williams

Environmental Planner

Te Arawa, Mataatua

Publications

Insights &
resources.

Rolling green whenua of Taranaki with Mt Taranaki in the distance Case Study

Returning Whenua to Iwi: A Tāmaki Makaurau Case Study

How a collaborative approach to Treaty settlement land acquisition delivered lasting outcomes for whānau across three hapū in the Auckland isthmus.

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Black sand beach on the West Coast of Aotearoa Resource

Navigating the OIO: A Guide for Māori Land Trusts

Practical guidance on Overseas Investment Office requirements when Iwi entities are involved in land transactions.

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Waves breaking on a black sand shore Article

Papakāinga Development: Balancing Tikanga & Regulation

Exploring how Iwi-led housing developments can honour cultural values while meeting district plan requirements.

Read More →

Ready to shape the future
of your whenua?

Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or well along the path, we're here to walk alongside you.

Kōrero Mai — Let's Talk
Get in Touch

Kōrero mai.

We'd welcome the opportunity to hear about your whenua aspirations. Reach out for an initial kōrero — no obligations, just a conversation.

kōrero@pupuke.co.nz
09 234 5678
Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand