Report following a presentation from Renata Davis at the RTIAB mid-year hui on 20 September 2025

The RTIAB is beginning a formal review of the Constitution and Bylaws that guide the governance and management of the Rakiura Tītī Islands. The review is about ensuring these documents remain up to date, reflect the aspirations of whānau, and continue to meet legal requirements.

Before the Ngāi Tahu Settlement (1998), the ex-Crown islands were managed by the Department of Conservation. Following settlement, the islands were vested in Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, with management transferred to the RTIAB, which is required to manage the islands as if they are a nature reserve under the Reserves Act 1977.

A Constitution and Bylaws were created in 2005 to set the rules for governance and harvesting. These have not been comprehensively reviewed since.

The Constitution sets the rules for how the RTIAB operates. It covers:

• The objects of the RTIAB

• Appointment and removal of members

• Procedures for hui and general meetings

• Powers and duties of the RTIAB

• Financial matters

The Bylaws set out the rules for managing and using the Rakiura Tītī Islands. They cover areas such as:

• Entry and permits (for whānau, spouses, and non-Rakiura Māori)

• Harvesting rules (e.g. no clubs, fences, pens, or dogs)

• Dogs, firearms, biosecurity, and buildings

• The role of supervisors

• Breaches and enforcement

It has been nearly 20 years since these documents were first created. Some provisions no longer reflect current practice or whānau expectations. Updating them will ensure they are modern, workable, and aligned with the Reserves Act 1977.

Final to changes the Constitution and Bylaws must be approved by the Minister of Conservation. These changes must firstly be approved by Rakiura Māori at a general or special meeting, and consultation with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is required.

The review process involves the following steps:

1. Kick-off kōrero – a conversation was started with whānau at the mid year hui on 20 September 2025.

2. Initial feedback – whānau will be asked to share early thoughts and priorities.

3. Detailed legal review – Kāhui Legal will review the documents and discuss findings with RTIAB.

4. Draft amendments – Kāhui Legal will then prepare updated drafts.

5. Wānaka with whānau – proposed amendments will be shared, and more feedback will be gathered.

6. Revised drafts – changes will be made to reflect whānau input.

7. Consultation with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu will be undertaken.

The approval process will involve the following steps:

1. The updated Constitution will be presented for approval by Rakiura Māori at an AGM or special meeting.

2. The updated Bylaws will be presented to the Minister of Conservation for approval.

Whānau are encouraged to be actively involved throughout the process. You can:

• Provide feedback now on what in your view works, what doesn’t, and what should change.

• Reflect on the following key questions:

  • What’s most important for governance of the islands?

  • What’s working well under the current rules?

  • What could be improved?

  • If you could change one thing about how the islands are managed, what would it be?

• Join wānaka (dates tbc) to discuss proposed changes.

• Participate in hui where final decisions will be made.

From here, slides from the Mid Year Hui (presented by Renata Davis from Kahui Legal) will be sent to whānau and posted online. Kāhui Legal will complete a detailed review and report back to RTIAB. A wānaka with whānau will be held to discuss draft changes (date tbc).

Feedback can be sent directly to Renata Davis – renata@kahuilegal.co.nz. This review is a chance for whānau voices to shape how the islands are governed for the future. Your kōrero and whakaaro are essential!