We serve as the sovereign governing body for our people, upholding the rights, customs, and spiritual connection to our ancestral lands under He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni.
The Tangata Whenua Indigenous Living Council (TWILC) is a sovereign council established under He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni 1835, signed by the United Tribes of Nu Tireni. We serve as the governing body for all people of the land, upholding the rights, customs, and spiritual connection to our ancestral lands. Our council members are led by their faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ, and operate on the principles of kotahitanga (unity), manaakitanga (care), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
Unity & Togetherness
Care & Hospitality
Guardianship & Protection
Our council comprises respected elders, community leaders, and spiritual guides who have dedicated their lives to the service of our people. Led by faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ, and rooted in the teachings of our tupuna (ancestors), we navigate the modern world while holding fast to our tikanga (customs) and wairua (spirituality). Our collective represents all people of the land united under the sovereign declaration of He Whakaputanga 1835.
Meet Our Council1835
He Whakaputanga
Declaration of Independence
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Core Values
Whakapono · Kotahitanga · Manaaki · Kaitiaki
Discover the principles that guide our council and the values we uphold for our people.
To protect and advance the sovereign rights, cultural heritage, and spiritual wellbeing of all people of the land. Guided by our faith in God and the principles of He Whakaputanga, we work tirelessly to ensure our people have a voice in decisions that affect our whenua, our whanau, and our future.
A thriving, self-determining community living in harmony with our ancestral lands. A future where our reo, tikanga, wairua, and faith are celebrated and preserved for generations to come.
With generations of wisdom passed down from our tupuna, our council brings decades of experience in governance, advocacy, and community leadership. Led by faith and united in purpose, we have stood for our people through every challenge and every triumph.
Feel free to contact us if you have any queries regarding the resources on offer.
Curated collection of Te Reo Maori learning resources including online courses, dictionaries, pronunciation guides, and immersive learning programmes for all levels from beginner to advanced.
Learn moreFrameworks and case studies for indigenous self-governance. Includes models from other indigenous nations, constitutional frameworks, and practical steps for establishing self-determining governance structures.
Learn moreGuide to researching and recording whakapapa (genealogy). Includes resources for accessing birth, death, and marriage records, iwi registration databases, and traditional methods of oral history preservation.
Great people! Helped me with debt collectors coming after me and made them disappear.
Darren
Whether you are seeking guidance, wish to contribute, or want to learn more about your rights as people of the land — we are here for you.
