The principles of the fund are geared towards the owners retaining rangatiratanga (ownership and control) of their land. In its kaupapa and role, Ngā Whenua Rāhui is reaffirming the bond between tangata whenua and the land.
Ki te āwhina i te tangata whenua ki te tiaki i te wao tapu nui a Tane me te putaiao a Nuku i runga i ōna ake whenua.