At the AGM in November 2019 a special resolution was passed by the shareholders of Utakura 7 Incorporation giving consent to the formation of the Utakura 7 Charitable Trust. It was agreed that the CoM would draft a Trust Deed and appoint trustees that would establish the trust. At this same meeting, a motion was also passed granting the Trust $500 000 in funds.
The UTAKURA 7 CHARITABLE TRUST was incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 on the 20th day of December 2019. The Founding Trustees are Tiraroa Bucknell-Webb, Dawson Joyce, Murray Painting and Ronald Hack.
In 2021 new COM member Steven Sanson was added.
In 2022 New COM Member Jenny Marcroft replaced Tiraroa Bucknell-Webb
In 2023 Luanne Butler replaced Jenny Marcroft.
in 2026 Founding Trustees Dawson Joyce and Ronald Hack resigned and Yvonne Mutu became a trustee.
PURPOSE/OBJECTS OF THE TRUST
The purpose of the Trust will include, but not be limited to, reducing spiritual, cultural, environmental, economic, and social inequalities for the communities of Utakura, Horeke, Rangiahua, Motukiore, and the Hokianga generally. Specifically, the Trust aims to build better lives in these communities by providing spiritual, cultural, environmental, economic, or social support for:
- Education grants and education scholarships
- Sponsorship for community activities
- Education, training, and skills development
- Sustainable local employment.
- Tikanga Māori-based learning opportunities
- Marae grants
- Development and improvement of suitable housing and long-term housing solutions, and;
- Contribute to any other activity consistent with its general charitable purposes.
All marae in Utakura have been provided with brand-new hospital-grade mattresses over the last couple of years.
Maraeroa Papakāinga Development
Bringing whānau home
The Maraeroa Papakāinga project at 1530 Horeke Road represents a significant step forward in creating warm, healthy, affordable homes for whānau and strengthening the connection between tangata and whenua.
Developed by Utakura 7 Atawhai Trust, the 5 whare papakāinga has been designed around the principles of whānau wellbeing, sustainability, and manaakitanga. The project provides a place where whānau can live close to their whenua, maintain connections to whakapapa, and build a stronger future for generations to come.
Stage 1 Completed
The first stage of the Maraeroa Papakāinga project was completed in November 2025, delivering 2x 1-bedroom, 2x 2-bedroom, and 1x 3 -bedroom homes.
The completed development includes modern housing designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating features that support lower energy use, improved health outcomes, and long-term affordability for whānau.
Project Gallery
Photos of the completed Stage 1 development
Stage 2 Confirmed
Utakura 7 Atawhai Trust is pleased to announce that funding has been confirmed for Stage 2 of the Maraeroa Papakāinga project.
The Trust will continue the vision of creating quality homes for whānau. This will see the expansion of the papakāinga community at 1530 Horeke Road by building on the adjacent Utakura 7 block at Maraeroa. Construction is planned for completion in early 2027.
Stage 2 of the Maraeroa Papakāinga project will provide an additional five kainga, continuing the vision of creating quality housing opportunities on whenua.
The next stage includes a revised mix of whare to better meet whānau needs:
- 1 × one-bedroom kainga
- 3 × two-bedroom kainga
- 1 × three-bedroom kainga
Stage 2 will include the supporting infrastructure required for a thriving papakāinga, including accessways, parking areas, stormwater and wastewater systems, water tank systems, and associated site landscaping.
Stage 2 Site Plan
Follow the Journey
Keep up to date with progress on Stage 2 of the Maraeroa Papakāinga project, including construction updates, whānau opportunities, and community milestones on Facebook and Instagram
For those interested in registering for a whare in stage 2 of the Maraeroa Papakainga, please download the form below.
