The overall purpose of this thesis is utilising Kaupapa Māori theory, Mātauranga Māori and Mātauranga ā-iwi concepts as supporting frameworks to locate a cultural existence within governance. Trustee responsibility and accountability are roles led by a legal system foreign to most whānau. The battle of interpretation exists between two separate world views. A Māori world view and Western world views. In understanding these two world views, the origins of governance will be investigated from both perspectives. Hierarchal positioning is acknowledged in this thesis. Whakapapa (genealogy) is a key component of Māori identity in locating tuakana (older sibling) and teina (younger sibling) status. Traditional societal knowledge and behaviours are determined through hierarchal positioning. The relationship between the twain can also reveal a shift in leadership. The application of governance and management of our whenua (lands) where centralising Māori identity and Māori knowledge becomes imperative as an accepted practice in supporting Māori land trusts and landowners. Ko Waiohau te pito o taku ao (Waiohau is the umbilical cord of my universe) avowals centralising. This research endeavours to understand the mechanisms of governance to support Mavowalsori Land Trust committed to taking back guardianship of the whenua with forward thinking systems that is user-friendly.