Te Hiku o Te Ika Iwi Development Trust provides a waka for Iwi to work together. enhance outcomes and make resources go further. The Iwi involved have identified three priorities for Trust; the Te Hiku Social Development Accord, the establishment of a new governance beach board for Te Oneroa-a- Tohe, and the implementation of a new model for enhancing conservation in the region called Te Korowai.  

The Trust has places for all five iwi in Te Hiku to work together once they have completed their Treaty Settlements. Te Rarawa, Ngai Takoto and Te Aupouri are currently actively involved and there are seats available for Ngati Kuri and Ngati Kahu to join in the future.

The Trust is accountable to each of the individual iwi runanga, with each iwi selecting their own representatives to the Trust.  Each individual iwi must also approve all the constitutional documents, annual plans and budgets for the Trust.