Overview
Since setting up Whai Rawa, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu has contributed over $75 million in matched savings, newborn and annual distributions. Note: the annual level of contribution may differ between calendar years and between members. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu may choose to cease or reduce contributions.
Whakahou Pūtea | Distribution Update
While Whai Rawa will continue to receive funding from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, no member distributions will be paid in March 2026 for the previous financial year. Matched Savings and Newborn Distributions remain unaffected.
These changes reflect a financially prudent approach, and the outlook beyond 2026 is still being considered. All decisions are guided by our commitment to mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei.
Distributions
Te Rūnanga sets a provisional budget for distributions within the Whai Rawa budget each year as part of the overall Te Rūnanga budget. Matched Savings and Newborn Distributions are paid out of the Te Rūnanga budget first, with the balance (when applicable) being divided up for Distribution at Te Rūnanga’s discretion. Distributions are subject to RSCT and are not certain; some years Distributions may not be made at all.
Elective members (those aged 65 and older as at the end of the relevant calendar year) currently receive Kaumātua Grants outside the scheme rather than Whai Rawa distributions.
Note: Distributions are subject to RSCT. The annual level of contribution may differ between calendar years and between members. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu may choose to cease or reduce contributions.
Matched Savings
Currently, for every $1 adult members (aged 16-64) contribute in a calendar year, Te Rūnanga will contribute another $1 (up to a maximum of $200* per member minus any applicable taxes). For tamariki members (aged under 16 years old as at the end of the relevant calendar year), Te Rūnanga will contribute $4 for every $1 contributed (up to a maximum of $200* per member minus any applicable taxes). Matched Savings and any Distribution payments are made no later than 31 March in the calendar year following qualification.
Elective members (those aged 65 and older at the end of the relevant calendar year) currently receive Kaumātua Grants outside the scheme rather than Whai Rawa Matched Savings.
Newborn Distribution
Te Rūnanga currently makes a newborn distribution of $100* to a child member’s account if the child is enrolled in Whai Rawa before they turn one. This distribution is made in March, in the year following enrolment, at the same time as other Whai Rawa payments from Te Rūnanga.
Reduced Fees
All costs and expenses, other than Fund Manager fees, will be met by Te Rūnanga while Whai Rawa Fund Limited remains the manager of Whai Rawa.
Māori Authority Credits
Generally, all Matched Savings and Distribution payments have Māori Authority Credits attached which offsets some of the RSCT* deducted which means more money going into your account.
* Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu matched savings and distributions (when applicable) are available to all Whai Rawa members under 65 years of age (see the Product Disclosure Statement) and are subject to RSCT (retirement scheme contribution tax) deducted at your personal RSCT rate (see the Other Material Information document at www.whairawa.com). If you do not notify us of your correct rate, you will be taxed at the default rate of 39%.
Distribution payments are made no later than 31 March in the calendar year following qualification. Download our PDS at www.whairawa.com/pds
