Mr Tipa was elected kaiwhakahaere (chairperson) of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu in November last year, by 18 representatives of the 18 Kāi Tahu PapaTipa Rūnaka.
It is estimated more than 500 people attended this year’s Ngāi Tahu Waitangi Day Commemoration at Awarua Rūnanga, the world’s southernmost marae.
Mr Tipa said the day was of importance "as we take a moment to acknowledge the promises made with the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the enduring relationships forged between the crown and iwi Māori".
"The day provided me with an opportunity to reflect on the strength of our tūpuna and the efforts of all our rangatira who worked tirelessly to protect and preserve our culture and presence in Te Waipounamu," he said.
The event brought together ministers, MPs from various political parties, mayors, local and regional council representatives and Crown agency partners, as well as whānau and the Murihiku community.
It was it was great to see such a diverse assembly, Mr Tipa said.
"It was a fantastic day filled with meaningful kōrero".
Commodore Matthew Williams delivered an address on behalf of the Governor-General, and Dr Michael Stevens, the newly appointed Te Rūnanga o Awarua representative, shared a thought-provoking Waitangi Day address.
"The manaaki from Awarua whānau is always exceptional.
"I was also honoured to represent Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and share our perspective on partnership. We outlined our priorities and contributions, with a focus on the contributions of Ngāi Tahu PapaTipa Rūnanga to the local and regional economy."
Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher attended the celebrations with the mayors from Otago and Southland.
He said it was a special opportunity to acknowledge the partnerships that each council had with their local runaka and to build on the "good relationship" he had built with Mr Tipa in his previous role as chairman of Te Runanga o Moeraki.
"He brings a pragmatic and knowledgeable approach to his relationship with Ngai Tahu's 18 runanga and with partners such as our council.
"He is well supported and I am sure he will continue to grow his reputation as a strong ally."
One of the other key discussions at the hui was initiated by councils and focused on respective commitments to the treaty.
"It was clear that everyone brought goodwill into the discussion, though acknowledging that, the same can't be said for all of our communities.
"The discussion was adjourned, to be carried on amongst councils, with the result being a unanimous commitment to uphold the treaty as a partnership between iwi Māori and local government," Mr Kircher said.
Mr Tipa said Te Tiriti wasn’t only signed at Waitangi.
"In the Ngāi Tahu takiwā, it was signed at Akaroa, Ōtākou, and Ruapuke Island."
The intention as an iwi had always been to engage constructively with the government of the day to achieve positive outcomes for whānau and contribute to the development of communities, he said.
"We are committed to working together with our community partners for the benefit of the regions and our communities in the South."
Having been elected last November, following the election of a new coalition government, meant he was "acutely aware of the potential changes on the horizon and the renewed debate regarding the Treaty relationship".
"At the same time, I recognise the importance of being focused on our whānau and iwi development, supporting thriving pā and communities, and developing our rangatahi to lead us in the future."
Mr Tipa acknowledged the "superb efforts" made for the occasion.
"A lot of work goes into hosting these events and I always appreciate seeing the lengths our people are willing to go to show manaaki," he said.
