Runanga

Runanga, more correctly written as rūnanga, is a Māori term meaning a council or assembly. In contemporary New Zealand usage, a rūnanga is a representative body within an iwi (tribe) or hapū (sub-tribe) charged with governance, cultural stewardship, and the management of resources and assets on behalf of its people. Rūnanga may operate as the primary decision-making authority for an iwi or hapū, or as a component of a broader governance framework that works with government agencies. They commonly participate in treaty settlement processes, negotiate with the Crown over land and resources, and run programs to protect language, tikanga, and taonga (treasures).

Rūnanga are typically composed of members of the iwi or hapū, with leadership drawn from elected or appointed representatives. Their duties can include managing tribal assets, overseeing social, cultural, and education initiatives, and representing the community in negotiations or legal matters. The term reflects the mana and authority of the tribe in both internal governance and external relations.

Runanga is also the name of a small town on New Zealand's West Coast, in the South Island. Located near Greymouth, the settlement is one of several communities in the Grey District and bears the Māori-rooted name that denotes tribal governance and heritage in the region.