Waikato-Tainui iwi is the tribal authority for Waikato, which is one of the largest iwi (tribal) groups in Aotearoa New Zealand. The things that matter most to us are people, our indigenous culture, whenua (land), our tupuna awa (ancestral river), environmental sustainability, and the world we are creating today for future generations. We are deeply committed to our tribal rohe (region) and to its development, sustainability and prosperity. We believe that when we benefit, everyone benefits.
Waikato-Tainui iwi has kaitiaki (guardianship) responsibility for Kiingitanga, also known as the King Movement, a unification of the tribes of Aotearoa which began when the tribal leader of Waikato, Pootatau Te Wherowhero, was anointed King in 1858.
Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is the current head of the Kiingitanga.