01/09/2026
This post is at the request of a whanaunga supporting an application by Wāhine of Ngāti Porou against... Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou PGSE... in the Wellington High Court Sept 14, 2026. This is Herstory, Ngāti Porou beneficiary Lady Ngawahine Te Awhiraina Smith....
Kia ora whānau, * Following the High Court's recent decision awarding costs against me in relation to my representative orders application, I have decided to issue a media release. My purpose is not to criticise the Court, but to raise awareness of the very real challenges that ordinary beneficiaries face when seeking access to the courts to hold powerful organisations accountable. Regardless of the outcome of this application, I believe there is an important public conversation to be had about access to justice, the financial risks faced by individuals, and the ability of beneficiaries to seek independent judicial oversight of governance decisions that affect them. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support and encouragement. I will forward this release to all appropriate media outlets. Nga Mihi
*MEDIA RELEASE* *17 July 2026*
Ngāti Porou Beneficiary Speaks Out Following High Court Costs Decision Ngāti Porou beneficiary Lady Ngawahine Te Awhiraina Smith says a recent High Court costs decision has highlighted the significant financial barriers faced by ordinary beneficiaries who seek judicial oversight of iwi governance.
On 14 July 2026, the High Court ordered Ms Smith to pay costs following an unsuccessful application to bring part of her proceeding in a representative capacity. The Court awarded costs to both defendants while allowing the substantive proceeding itself to continue.
The Court also declined to stay the proceeding pending payment of those costs. "The substantive issues I have raised have not yet been heard," Ms Smith said. "My claim concerns governance, accountability, transparency, and the authority under which important decisions affecting Ngāti Porou have been made. Those questions remain before the Court."
Ms Smith said her case concerns matters extending beyond her own personal interests.
"I have always maintained that this proceeding is about ensuring beneficiaries have confidence that major decisions affecting our whenua, our assets and our future are made lawfully, transparently and in accordance with the governing documents." The Court's judgment acknowledges that the substantive litigation continues and that further procedural matters, including security for costs, remain to be determined.
Ms Smith said she was disappointed by aspects of the costs judgment and is considering her legal options. "I respect the Court's role, but I respectfully disagree with parts of the reasoning and am considering whether an appeal should be pursued." She believes the case raises wider questions for New Zealand about access to justice.
"When ordinary beneficiaries question governance decisions involving well-resourced organisations, they often face significant financial risk before the substantive issues are ever heard."
Have sent this to Maori media outlets to raise awareness of our kaupapa MEDIA RELEASE TE RUNANGANUI O NGĀTI POROU HEADS TO THE WELLINGTON HIGH COURT Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou Trustee Ltd will appear in the Wellington High Court on 14 September 2026 in proceedings that raise important questions about governance, authority, transparency and accountability within Ngāti Porou.
The hearing on 14 September concerns an application by the defendants for security for costs. Security for costs does not determine whether the substantive High Court claims are right or wrong.
Instead, the defendants are asking the Court to require money to be set aside in advance as security towards their future legal costs should the proceeding ultimately be unsuccessful.
