Kohutapu Lodge - Lake Aniwhenua, Bay of Plenty

01/08/2026

NATIVE NATIONS 2026 | DAY ONE

Yesterday marked the beginning of something far bigger than a cultural exchange.

As founders of Native Nations and proud platinum sponsors, the team at Kohutapu Lodge welcomed our Indigenous youth from Australia's Northern Territory to Aotearoa to begin a journey of connection, culture and leadership.

Our first day was spent on the Hauraki Gulf with our whanaunga from Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki. Together we crossed the moana to Rangitoto, climbed to the summit, and were immersed in mātauranga Māori, pūrākau and the history of this incredible place.

To our Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki whānaunga, ngā mihi nui. Thank you for wrapping our rangatahi in such genuine manaakitanga and for sharing your stories, your history and your aroha. You have given our young people an experience they'll carry for life.

We finished the day together over dinner at Sudima Auckland Airport, reflecting, journaling and preparing for the days ahead.
This is why Native Nations - Tracing Indigenous Footsteps exists.

To create opportunities for Indigenous youth—many from remote and regional communities—to see the world through an Indigenous lens, grow in confidence, strengthen their identity, and realise their potential as future leaders and changemakers.

It's about building a global network of Indigenous young people, communities and tourism operators who learn from one another, stand together, and create a future grounded in culture, reciprocity and regenerative tourism.

When we invest in our rangatahi, we invest in the future of our peoples.

Day One is complete. The journey for our rangatahi has only just begun.

30/07/2026

Thirteen years later, we're still here...

The playing field has changed, but we haven't. We've stayed true to our people, our community and our belief that tourism can be a force for good. And we've been doing Regenerative before it even became a 'thing'.

We've never been about just bringing visitors here. We've been about creating opportunities for our rangatahi, protecting our culture and taiao, strengthening communities, and leaving people and places better than we found them.

I'm so incredibly proud of our whānau, guides, kaumātua, partners, tourism suppliers and community who continue to believe and build together. My team are my whanau - my people. And my people are amazing.

Now, we begin another chapter as we embark on the Native Nations - Tracing Indigenous Footsteps 2026 Indigenous Youth Exchange. I can't wait to see what these incredible young people do with this opportunity.

Here's to the next 13 years.

Roll those sleeves up - let's go, 2026.

Mauri ora!!!

21/07/2026

Still trying to process this one...

Today we learnt that Director/Owner and founder of Native Nations - Tracing Indigenous Footsteps, Nadine Toe Toe, has been named as a finalist in the SkyCity ED&I Leadership Award at the 2026 New Zealand Leadership Awards.

To say we're humbled would be an understatement.

With more than 600 nominations received from across Aotearoa, simply being named a finalist feels like an incredible honour. Looking through the calibre of leaders recognised this year, we're genuinely shocked to be standing alongside people who are making such an impact across so many different sectors.

When we submitted this nomination, it wasn't because we were chasing another award.

Over the past few years we've been incredibly fortunate to receive recognition through the tourism industry for the work of Kohutapu Lodge, Whirinaki Forest Footsteps, and Native Nations. This nomination was different. It gave us an opportunity to step outside tourism and ask ourselves a much bigger question:

Are we genuinely helping create a more equitable future? Are we stacking up? Are we leading in a way that makes a difference? Is our kaupapa as good as others out there? And what more can we be doing?

Everything we do comes back to one simple belief: It's not enough to create opportunities. We need to make sure those opportunities are accessible to those who need them most.

People often use the words equality and equity interchangeably. For us, equality is giving everyone a pair of shoes. Equity is making sure the shoes actually fit.

That has always been the heart of Native Nations. Giving Indigenous youth a voice. Helping young people from remote and underserved communities realise that their stories matter. They matter.

Creating opportunities and connecting Indigenous communities around the world so our rangatahi can see what's possible while returning home even more proud of who they are and where they come from.

At a time when conversations around equity can feel increasingly political, we believe the answer isn't to stop doing the work. It's to keep showing up. To keep listening. To keep building bridges. To keep creating opportunities. To make change from the inside out, rather than the outside in.

And to keep believing that every young person deserves the chance to thrive - not because they all start from the same place, but because they all deserve the opportunity to reach their potential.

This recognition belongs to so many people...

To every rangatahi who has trusted us with their journey. To our kaumātua, whānau and community. To the Indigenous communities around the world who have welcomed us with open arms. To our tourism operators and partners who continue to give so generously and support our young people. To our sponsors and supporters who believe in investing in young people.

And to everyone who quietly backs this kaupapa behind the scenes - you are the reason Native Nations exists.

Congratulations to every finalist. We can't wait to spend an evening surrounded by leaders who are all working, in their own way, to make Aotearoa a better place.

Whatever happens on the night, simply being a finalist is something we're incredibly proud of.

Ngā mihi nui. ❤️

https://www.robertwalters.co.nz/new-zealand-leadership-awards/finalists-2026.html?mkt_tok=NjYyLU9ZVS04NDYAAAGjJTyKSI69tv8t38LkL2WZsw3S7rxy70XDH0WnvIzHyHSawGKnEnT6PuKT3PHTOG0QV7DBOTv4Qu2UWsTHK8Ou94g5dUVgoc-o_gvT4JvSVfUGwQ

Discover the 2026 Finalists of the New Zealand Leadership Awards

19/07/2026

Founders and Platinum Sponsors of Native Nations - Tracing Indigenous Footsteps...

What a beautiful weekend with our Native Nations rangatahi. ❤️🖤🤍

Our final 10 rangatahi have been selected, and our first wānanga is done. What a way to begin this year's journey.

We started as we always should... with pōwhiri, whakawhanaungatanga, lots of shared kai, team building, plenty of laughs, waiata practice, and some honest kōrero.

These moments matter. Before we jump on a plane or welcome visitors into our home, we need to know each other, trust each other, and stand together as one.

We also watched the powerful documentary about an incredible young Arrernte and Garrwa man from Alice Springs. In just under two weeks, we'll have the privilege of meeting him and the rest of our Indigenous youth from the heart of Australia as we welcome them in to Aotearoa.

Understanding their stories, their challenges, and their strengths before they arrive helps us connect in a much deeper way.

To top it all off, we tackled an epic 12km hikoi through the beautiful Whirinaki Forest. There were sore legs, big smiles, and plenty of reminders that culture exchange isn't just about travelling - it's about preparing ourselves physically, mentally, culturally, and spiritually.

The theme of this year's exchange is "Nga Ara Tupuna - Walking Together Through Culture, Community and Country"... and there will be LOTS of walking.

Next weekend, we go again. More learning, more preparation, more connection. Preparation is everything. We don't just host visitors... we manaaki them. We represent our whānau, our hapū, our iwi, and Aotearoa. We want every young person who arrives here to feel safe, valued, challenged, inspired, and like they've found another home.

1st August is getting close! We can't wait to welcome our Indigenous youth from the Centre of Australia to our communities to experience our collection of amazing Maori Tourism operators across the motu, before our youth then embark on what is certainly going to be a life changing experience into Alice Springs, Yulara, Uluru deep in the heart of Australia's Northern Territory.

🤍🖤❤️💛

06/07/2026

APPLICATIONS CLOSING IN 5 DAYS...

**NATIVE NATIONS 2026 - Fully Sponsored Indigenous Youth Leadership Exchange**

Native Nations is seeking 10 outstanding Māori rangatahi to represent Aotearoa in our 2026 Indigenous Youth Leadership Exchange with Aboriginal communities across Central Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

This isn't a holiday.

It is a FULLY SPONSORED leadership exchange designed to strengthen cultural identity, build confidence, develop future leaders and connect Indigenous young people across nations. For many, it will be their first passport, first flight and first international journey—an opportunity proven to build confidence, leadership, employment pathways and lifelong friendships.

Together, we'll travel from the geothermal landscapes, marae, rainforests and coastlines of Aotearoa to the ancient red heart of Australia.

You'll journey through Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges) and Yulara, standing at the foot of Uluru—one of the world's oldest living cultural landscapes and a sacred place of immense significance to the Aṉangu people. You'll learn directly from Arrernte, Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara Traditional Custodians, camp on Country beneath the stars, and complete the challenging 16km return sunrise hikoi to the summit of Mt Sonder (Ruwi).

WHO CAN APPLY?
Applicants must: Be Māori, aged 18–24 years (exceptional 17-year-olds may be considered based on maturity).

Whakapapa and reside within the following rohe:
• Ngāti Manawa – 5 places
• Ngāti Whare – 1 place
• Ngāti Awa – 1 place
• Ngāi Tai ki Tōrere – 1 place
• Te Arawa – 1 place
• Tauranga Moana – 1 place

These iwi have been selected because their Māori tourism operators are hosting as part of this year's NZ 11 day exchange and opening their communities, stories and ancestral landscapes to our Australian whānau.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors and partners, this is a fully sponsored Indigenous Youth Leadership Exchange, including:
Passport (if required)
International flights
Accommodation
Transport throughout Aotearoa and Australia
Indigenous cultural experiences
Camping equipment
Approximately 95% of meals (You'll only need personal spending money and to cover one or two meals while travelling.)

YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR:
Interviews – 13–14 July
Wānanga One – 18–19 July
Wānanga Two – 25–26 July
Aotearoa Exchange – 1–10 August
Australia Exchange – 20–30 August
Commitment to all dates is essential.

HOW TO APPLY
Please email your application to: [email protected]

Please Include:
• A basic CV with your name, address, phone, email, date of birth, whakapapa (including your pepeha), and what you've been doing over the past few years (study, mahi or both).
• A one-page letter telling us why you want this opportunity.

No AI.
No fancy formatting.
Perfect spelling and grammar aren't important.
We want to hear your voice.

Tell us your story.
Tell us your aspirations.
Tell us why this opportunity matters to you.

We're looking for heart, honesty and potential—not perfection.

Applications close: 5.00pm, Friday 11 July 2026.
If you're reading this and wondering whether you're good enough...

Don't second guess yourself. Back yourself. Have a go. You never know where one opportunity might lead.

Good luck to all applicants!!

Mauri Ora

*** Image below of Wintjiri Wiru Uluru Drone Show - just one of the activities our youth will experience in Northern Territory, Australia, alongside of our Tangata Moemoea rangatahi and hosts.

28/06/2026

One of our favourite times of the year...

Today, we're incredibly proud to open applications for the Native Nations 2026 Indigenous Youth Leadership Exchange.

This kaupapa is very close to our hearts. Every year we have the privilege of watching incredible young Māori discover new confidence, strengthen their cultural identity, build lifelong friendships and experience their first passport, first flight and first international journey.

This year we'll be welcoming our Aboriginal whānau from Australia's Northern Territory to Aotearoa before travelling together through Central Australia, Alice Springs, Yulara and the sacred landscapes of Uluru.

If you're a Māori rangatahi aged 18–24 (17-year-olds considered based on maturity) who whakapapa to Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Whare, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tai ki Tōrere, Te Arawa or Tauranga Moana, we encourage you to have a look.

This is a fully sponsored Indigenous Youth Leadership Exchange that has changed the lives of hundreds of Indigenous young people over the past four years.

If you've ever wondered whether you should apply...

Back yourself.

You never know where one opportunity might lead.

👇 Full details and application information are in the Native Nations post below. We'd really appreciate your support by sharing this opportunity through your networks so it reaches the rangatahi it's meant for.

Ngā mihi nui ❤️

28/05/2026

This morning we farewelled our group of First Nations Rangatahi who have been with us for the past few days...

"They are all from the same Lakota tribe in the state of South Dakota (the Sicangu Lakota Oyate or Rosebud Sioux Tribe in the Rosebud Indian Reservation).

The purpose of our Aotearoa trip is for them to learn all about Maori culture and tradition, especially how strong and intertwined in society it is, so that they can gain the perspective and confidence needed to be leaders in their own Oyate (tribe).

Students also really enjoy comparing their own culture to Maori culture which strengthens their identities and belief in who they are as fellow indigenous people.

This is just a really incredible opportunity for them, and I so appreciate the kindness and generosity you are showing us with the pricing relative to the depth of experience and immersion they will get."

It's not about making money - it's about making a better future...

28/05/2026

Last week we were incredibly blessed to host the amazing 54-member Missouri State University Chorale from the USA here at Kohutapu Lodge - Lake Aniwhenua, Bay of Plenty for a two-night stay grounded in culture, kai, community and connection to our taiao.

What made their visit even more special was the beautiful way they reciprocated throughout their stay — gifting our community with a FREE performance at Murupara Area School and sharing their incredible voices with us everywhere they went… from the marae, to the lodge, to the rainforest and throughout our wider community.

Their performance of Ave Maria inside our wharekai honestly felt like we were sitting amongst angels. The acoustics, the emotion and the energy in the room was something none of us will forget anytime soon. Their heartfelt words about the way they had been welcomed, and their responsibility now to carry that mātauranga, kindness and aroha back out into the world, deeply moved us all.

And their rendition of Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi — complete with actions brought the house down.

Side note: washing dishes in the wharekai while being serenaded by a live choir was definitely a first for us...and honestly… the vibe was next level. Washing dishes will never be the same again!!

A truly respectful, humble, engaged and extraordinarily talented group of people. It was our absolute honour and privilege to share space, stories, laughter and waiata with you all.

Ngā mihi nui Missouri State University Chorale — thank you for leaving a little bit of your music and spirit with us here in Murupara. We hope one day we have the honour of welcoming you all back again.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Your whānau from Kohutapu Lodge ❤️

14/05/2026

🎶 FREE COMMUNITY CHOIR PERFORMANCE – NEXT FRIDAY 🎶

Murupara whānau — this is something pretty special ❤️

Next Friday, we are welcoming the incredible 54-member Missouri State University Chorale from the USA to Murupara for a FREE community performance at Murupara Area School Hall.

🗓 Friday 22 May
🕥 10.45am – 11.30am
📍 Murupara Area School Hall
💥 FREE ENTRY – everyone welcome

If you have never heard a live American choir perform before — this is your chance.

Bring the tamariki, bring Nan and Koro, bring your mates, bring the whole whānau. Young and old — everyone is welcome.

This internationally touring choir has performed around the world, and now they’re coming to OUR little town ❤️

No tickets. No cost. Just good people, powerful voices and a beautiful opportunity for our community to experience something different together.

The more the merrier — come fill the hall, Murupara 🙌

12/04/2026

Some people come for a stay. But really, they are looking for something much deeper.

You can feel it. The need to slow down, breathe and reset.

We lead with manaaki - and the rest takes care of itself. The whenua, the kai, the korero, the connection... it all does what it needs to do.

For some it is more than a visit... it is a journey.

"Hello Nades and family,

First I want to apologize for mailing so late after my arrival in Holland. There hasn't been a day that I was not thinking of you and New Zealand. It feels a bit like being homesick.

The differences between both countries are huge, I found out, besides the similarities. I think it is very nice to realise, but this puts me in a totally different position being back in Holland. It was what I was curious for, experiencing differences, but I never expected myself to feel this way afterwards.

So, what it's really telling is that I've had a wonderful intense stay in New Zealand, especially at your place. I felt so welcome and so embraced by you and your lovely family and the other people, it touches me every day still. And the koru you gave to me I'm wearing every day and night, it provides me with love and strength, and beautiful memories.

You also gave me a bottle with homemade tomato chutney, which is so delicious, that I have reached the bottom of it almost. Later on I have to miss it too. Too bad... it has been a real feast to taste it every time again. Such things have to stop one time, otherwise it will become ordinary instead of special...."