Hokotehi Moriori Trust

Hokotehi Moriori Trust

The Hokotehi Moriori Trust represents Moriori - the first peoples of the remote South Pacific islands of Rekohu and Rangiauria, 800km east of New Zealand, more commonly known as the Chatham and Pitt Islands, or as Wharekauri by M?ori. Moriori have lived by the peace covenant of their ancestors for over half a millenium. Driven to the brink of extinction in the 19th century by colonisation, invasion, slavery and oppression - the 21st century has seen a revival of Moriori culture.

The Hokotehi Moriori Trust was established in 2001 with a vision of reconnecting and unifying Moriori People and establishing a strong economic base for the future. The Awatoru Project Team commenced discussions with the Trust in May of 2006 to undertake a pilot project. The purpose of the project was to trial the Awatoru development model in practice with the objective of developing design enabled business development and brand propositions for the Hokotehi Moriori Trust.

The trial project was carried out over a period of several months. It was largely conducted through a series of facilitated workshops – primarily marae based. Over sixteen people were closely involved in the pilot project including a governance and management team from the Trust, a resident artist, specialist market advisors, brand agency DNA Designed Communications Ltd, a strategic advisor from Wakatu Incorporation and the project team.

The project resulted in the revision and development of organisational wide strategy, commercial development strategy and the development of unique brand and market propositions across business areas of fisheries, farming and tourism. The resultant outcomes are intended to increase yields through market distinction and channelling, whilst generating social and cultural outcomes. The pilot project was a resounding success with benefits ranging far wider for all participants than anticipated