Ngā Pānui Whānau
Taumore Whānau Hui Update Kia ora e te whānau, 25th July 2026 Moving Forward Together Many of you have asked why a Taumore Whānau Hui has not been held over 8 months. The answer is simple. Significant matters have been before the Māori Land Court, and the Interim Committee made a conscious decision to respect that process and wait until Noelene was legally recognised as a shareholder before moving forward. Unfortunately, previous attempts to progress Taumore have at times been disrupted by conflict, personal attacks and behaviour that prevented constructive discussion. That has made it difficult to achieve meaningful outcomes for our whānau. That will not continue. Once the Court has recognised Noelene as a shareholder, the Interim Committee will move forward with the plans and processes already developed. We will continue progressing our kaupapa while the Māori Land Court considers the reservation applications. Our focus is on building the future of Taumore, not revisiting personal disputes. To ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to participate, future whānau hui will initially be held online via Zoom. We welcome robust discussion, respectful questions and differing views. However, everyone attending must treat others with respect. Behaviour that disrupts the hui, prevents others from participating, or involves personal abuse, intimidation or repeated interference will not be tolerated. If you do not comply with these expectations, we may need to remove you from the meeting so the hui can continue respectfully and productively. Our responsibility is to the wider Taumore whānau, to the vision of our tūpuna, and to future generations. Every decision we make will continue to reflect those responsibilities. Ngā mihi, Taumore Interim Committee/Trustees
Taumore Whānau Update Kia ora e te whānau, 18th July 2026 It has been some time since we have been able to physically gather at Taumore. As many of you know, several matters have been before the Māori Land Court, and these have needed to be resolved before the next steps could be taken. The succession application for Noelene Danford is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, 4 August 2026. Once Noelene is legally recognised as a shareholder of Waitakaruru 1A1B2C and D1, the Taumore Interim Committee intends to call a Taumore Whānau Hui in late August. Further details will be provided once the Court has issued its orders. Following the recent and extensive septic system works completed on the whenua, we also want to allow the land time to recover before holding our next hui at Taumore. Reservation Applications For transparency, we want all whānau to be aware of the current position. Following the succession hearing, Noelene intends to lodge a Māori Reservation application over the historic Taumore papakāinga area. This application is based on the long-standing vision of our tūpuna, particularly William Thomas Castle Snr, whose intention to establish a 6-acre papakāinga** and the proposed Taumore Trust has been recorded in Māori Land Court records over many years, including the recent Chief Judge's decision issued on 1 May 2026. Whānau should also be aware that the reservation application originally lodged by several landowners in September 2022, placed on hold during 2023, has now been reactivated and allocated to a Court Registrar for progression. Two Different Kaupapa Many of you have now heard kōrero from both sides. Whānau must understand these are not simply two applications for a Māori Reservation. They represent two fundamentally different visions for Taumore. The Taumore Interim Committee's kaupapa is based on more than 40 years of whānau involvement. Throughout that time, decisions affecting Taumore have been made collectively by the Taumore whānau. While land ownership has always been respected, the papakāinga has been cared for, maintained and guided by whānau through consultation, participation and shared responsibility. That principle remains at the heart of our vision. Our proposal seeks to protect the original vision of our tūpuna by ensuring the Taumore papakāinga continues to be governed with whānau involvement, preserving the history, tikanga and kaupapa that have shaped Taumore for generations. The alternative application takes a different approach. It places governance under the authority of the landowners appointed as reservation trustees. That model does not provide the same level of ongoing whānau participation in the governance and decision-making of the papakāinga. Whānau deserve to understand this difference. The question is not simply whether there should be a Māori Reservation. The question is how Taumore will be governed and who will have the authority to make decisions about its future. For the Interim Committee, the answer has remained the same for over 40 years: Taumore should continue to be shaped with the voice of the wider Taumore whānau, not by a small group acting alone. Ultimately, the Māori Land Court will determine the appropriate outcome after hearing all parties. Planning for the Future Although much of our work has occurred behind the scenes, the Interim Committee has remained active. Over recent months, we have been engaging with the organisations and people needed to help develop a sustainable future for Taumore. This includes discussions with: * Hamilton City Council regarding papakāinga planning requirements. * Te Puni Kōkiri regarding support and development opportunities. * Kāinga Ora Whenua Loans to better understand housing pathways available on Māori land. * An established marae that is currently progressing significant papakāinga development, allowing us to learn from practical experience, governance, planning and implementation. This means we are not starting from scratch. We are building knowledge, relationships and practical processes that will assist our whānau as we move forward together. These plans, options and proposed pathways will be shared with the wider whānau at the upcoming Taumore Hui. Understanding Our History The Interim Committee has also undertaken a comprehensive review of the history of Taumore. Rather than relying on hearsay or differing recollections, we have worked through Māori Land Court records and historical documents spanning *1962 through to 2025*. This has given us a clearer understanding of the events, decisions and challenges that have shaped Taumore over the decades. While parts of that history are difficult, understanding it allows us to move forward based on evidence, transparency and a shared commitment to protecting Taumore for future generations. Ngā mihi, Taumore Interim Committee/Trustees
Chief Judge Dismisses Section 45 Application 1 May 2026 On 1 May 2026, the Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court released the decision in 2026 Chief Judge's MB 666–685, dismissing the section 45 application concerning Waitakaruru 1A1B2C and D1. The Chief Judge found that there was no basis to overturn or amend the Court's previous orders, confirming that the succession and vesting orders made over the years remain valid. The judgment also records important historical evidence relating to Taumore, including: 1. (Uncle Billy) William Thomas Castle Snr's intention to establish a 6-acre papakāinga. 2. His intention to create a separate trust known as the Taumore Trust. 3. Confirmation that the proposed papakāinga area comprised 6 acres of Waitakaruru 1A1B2C and D1. The Chief Judge's decision provides an important historical record of William's vision for Taumore and brings the section 45 proceedings to a close. Following the dismissal of the section 45 application, the Māori Land Court has relisted the succession application for Lesley Remana Castle, which is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, at the Hamilton Māori Land Court. The Taumore Whānau Committee will continue to keep whānau informed as the succession process progresses and as work continues towards protecting the long-term future of the Taumore papakāinga. Nā mātou noa, Taumore Interim Committee/Trustees
Pānui — s 45 Update 30th March 2026 HUI POSTPONED TILL FURTHER NOTICE Kia ora whānau, We were hoping by now to have a clear direction for everyone following the Section 45 hearing. This update was meant to go out once we had a ruling, due to the court process — including allowing the applicants time to file final responses — we are still waiting. This means a decision may take a few more weeks. Because of this, we have made the decision to postpone the upcoming hui scheduled for 5 April 2026 until the ruling is received. We believe it is important to come back to the table with certainty so we can move forward properly as a whānau. In the meantime, we are seeing the impact of these delays on the whenua. When we were at Taumore yesterday, it was clear that things are slipping. Someone has accessed the wharenui and the portacom, and we are no longer able to secure these without further cost. The septic vent pipe has also been damaged and the cap is gone, which is another expense for whānau. Taumore is in real need of some care and attention. know the committee/trustees have been working hard behind the scenes — engaging with the right people and planning carefully — keeping in mind the vision our tūpuna had for Taumore, our whānau and our whenua, so we are ready to move quickly once the decision is released. We ask for your patience during this time. We will update everyone as soon as we receive the Court’s ruling. Nā mātou noa, Taumore Interim Committee/Trustees
Pānui update 26th January 2026. Kia ora whānau, We want to acknowledge the patience shown by whānau and to let you know that a significant amount of mahi has been happening behind the scenes. The Taumore interim elected trustees / interim committee have continued to meet regularly while we await a decision from the Court in relation to the section 45 application that has been lodged. Our next whānau hui is scheduled for Sunday, 5 April 2026 at 12:00 pm At our last hui, whānau who attended were presented with a clear vision for Taumore, including: Proposed renovation and upgrade stages. Development concepts showing what Taumore could become A practical roadmap outlining how these stages could be achieved. A financial analysis to demonstrate how the vision could be supported sustainably While the hui intended to focus on future development and collective opportunity, it became clear that uncertainty and disagreement around governance roles took precedence and derailed the purpose of the hui. As a result, a decision was made to pause further hui temporarily. This was not taken lightly. The pause was necessary to prevent further division and to allow space for preparation, clarity, and alignment while the governance matter remains before the Court. During this period, the interim committee has continued preparing documentation, refining development roadmaps, and consolidating the work already presented to whānau. This includes the same vision, staging, and financial information discussed at the last hui. We acknowledge that not all commentary — particularly on social media — has reflected the full substance of what was presented or the mahi that has continued. This pānui is shared to provide clarity and reassurance that work has not stopped. It has also come to our attention that information relating to a separate whānau discussion was shared publicly in error. For clarity, the matters being discussed reflect the same concepts, staging, and development ideas that were presented openly to whānau at the last hui by the interim committee. This work did not arise independently and forms part of the planning, road-mapping, and analysis already shared and documented through the hui process. We consider it important to clarify this so that whānau understand the origin of the work and the context in which it was developed, particularly while governance matters remain before the Court. Further updates will be provided as we move closer to the April hui and as soon as there is direction from the Court. Nā mātou noa, Taumore Interim Committee
Pānui update 2nd January 2026 Kia ora whānau, and Happy New Year We hope everyone is well and has enjoyed a restful festive season — filled with time together, shared kai, laughter, and memories being made with those closest to you. As we step into a new year, we want to take a moment to reconnect as whānau, reflect on where we’ve come from, and gently set the tone for what lies ahead for Taumore. Our Vision & Purpose At the heart of Taumore is a commitment to honouring our tūpuna — those who laid the path before us and entrusted us with the responsibility to carry their vision forward. We acknowledge with deep respect Uncle Billy, whose foresight and generosity set aside six acres for papakāinga, ensuring that the descendants of all 13 siblings would always have a place to stand, belong, and call home. This vision was never about one whānau line — it was about unity, legacy, and intergenerational care. We also extend special acknowledgement to the Connor whānau and to all those who have walked alongside this kaupapa over the years. Your awhi, support, and quiet commitment have not gone unnoticed. Each contribution — seen and unseen — has helped keep this vision alive. Taumore is about more than land. It is about whakapapa, whanaungatanga, and responsibility — ensuring that what was gifted to us is protected, strengthened, and passed forward with integrity for the generations to come. Ngā mihi nui, Taumore Interim Committee / Trustees
Taumore Special Whānau Hui. POSTPONED 📅 Date: Sunday, 5th April 2026 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM 📍 Location: Zoom & Taumore, Waitakaruru Agenda Court update - (section 45) Financial Report Maintenance & Urupa update Papakāinga Development Interim Rules General Business Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87411661097?pwd=ZDdHMUJmbklYV3FITjM1QUZ2YWxmUT09 Meeting ID: 874 1166 1097 Passcode: 028922
Pānui update Taumore Hui – New Date: Sunday, 5 April 2026 Tēnā koutou e te whānau, This pānui is to let you know that, because there is a matter concerning Taumore currently before the Māori Land Court, the Taumore interim committee/trustees have agreed to hold our next formal Taumore whānau hui on Sunday, 5 April 2026. A hearing is scheduled for March 2026. The outcome of that case is expected to provide clearer guidance on how or if Uncle Billy’s 6-acre gift and the Taumore papakāinga should be managed moving forward. Until the Judge has made orders, it is appropriate to pause formal decision-making hui. We acknowledge that recent Taumore hui discussions have increasingly focused on disagreements about legal process and the role of the interim committee/trustees, rather than on practical kaupapa for the whenua and whānau. To avoid further tension or confusion while the Court is considering these matters, we believe it is safer and more responsible to wait until the Court has given its decision. This pause in formal hui does not stop positive work at Taumore. Working bees, urupā maintenance, and other agreed caretaking of the whenua will continue as usual. Whānau are welcome and encouraged to keep supporting these activities. Please also note that some pages on the Taumore website have been temporarily protected while the Court process is underway. This is to ensure accuracy and prevent misunderstanding until a decision has been reached. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. If you have questions or would like further information, please contact us through the Taumore website or speak directly with one of the interim committee/trustees. We will do our best to respond to all genuine queries and concerns. We look forward to coming back together as a whānau on 5 April 2026, when we expect to have greater clarity and direction, whatever the Court’s decision may be. Ngā mihi nui, Taumore Interim Committee / Trustees
Topic: Taumore Meeting Date: 8th June 2025 Time: 12:00 pm AGENDA: Discussions of importance 1. Trustee elections 2. Trust Deed Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87411661097?pwd=ZDdHMUJmbklYV3FITjM1QUZ2YWxmUT09 Meeting ID: 874 1166 1097 Passcode: 028922
Topic: Taumore Meeting Date: Sunday 3rd Aug 2025 Time: 12:00 pm AGENDA: Discussions of importance 1. Financial report 2. Previous minutes - matters arising 3. Trustee update 4. Maintenance report 5. Urupa report 6. General Business Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87411661097?pwd=ZDdHMUJmbklYV3FITjM1QUZ2YWxmUT09 Meeting ID: 874 1166 1097 Passcode: 028922
Taumore Whānau Hui. 📅 Date: Sunday, 12th October 2025 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM 📍 Location: Zoom & Taumore, Waitakaruru Agenda Development Financial Report Previous minutes Matters arising Maintenance & Urupa update Interim Rules General Business Address issues raised on Facebook Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87411661097?pwd=ZDdHMUJmbklYV3FITjM1QUZ2YWxmUT09 Meeting ID: 874 1166 1097 Passcode: 028922