1997
The Tūhono initiative was developed and promoted by the Tautoko Māori Trust (TMT) committee which was set up in 1997. Initially, TMT comprised of Sir Paul Reeves, chairman, the late Bishop Manuhuia Bennett (Dr Terry Ryan joined the committee prior to the passing of Bishop Bennett in December 2001), Hon Koro Wetere, Druis Barrett and Dan Te Kanawa.
2002
At the request of the TMT and after years of consultation, the government amended the Electoral Act 1993 in 2002. This amendment allows the Chief Registrar of Electors to seek permission from declared Māori voters (on both the Māori and general roll) to have their enrolment details and iwi affiliation shared with a central Māori organisation, and for these details to be passed on to the affiliated iwi organisations.
2003
In December 2003, the Tautoko Māori Trust (TMT) was formally incorporated, with its current trustees being Sir Paul Reeves, chairman, Hon Koro Wetere, Druis Barrett, Dr Terry Ryan and Dr Wharehuia Milroy. TMT’s operational unit, the Māori Affiliation Service (MAS), was named "Tūhono", a word meaning connect or link, that has deep spiritual meaning for Māori. The Tūhono service has been recognised by the government as the organisation to receive the electoral information of Māori voters.
2004
In early 2004, Tūhono mounted a nationwide programme to seek the consent of declared Māori voters to release their details (name, address and date of birth) and their iwi affiliation details to their selected iwi. This was to establish and maintain up-to-date iwi registers through the Tūhono network. 100,000 Māori responded.
2005
Tūhono establishes itself as an advocate for and a contributor to a network of Māori, iwi organisations and other entities who engage with each other in fostering identity, well being and potential. This is done through our business of strategic networking, data management and innovation for the purpose of:
- Promoting spiritual and cultural well being,
- Promoting education and personal development,
- Promoting the relief of poverty through developing potential.