NGATI KAHU LEADERS

Last Saturday, at the Hui-a-Tau (AGM) of Te Rūnanga-ā-Iwi ō Ngāti Kahu, Professor Margaret Mutu (Te Whānau Moana Te Rorohuri) was returned as Chair, and Tania Thomas (Ngāti Taranga) was returned as Secretary, while Rose Vazey-Roberts (Patu Kōraha) was elected to fill the office of Treasurer.  All three were elected unopposed.

With regard to the portfolios, the following people were elected unopposed. 

The Taumata Kaumātua Portfolio continues to be led by Ven Timoti Flavell (Te Whānau Moana Te Rorohuri).  Timoti also chairs Te Taumata Kaumātua o Ngāti Kahu which sits alongside the Rūnanga.  Their tikanga guidance locally, regionally, nationally and internationally in behalf and support of Ngāti Kahu is invaluable.

Reremoana Rēnata (Matarahurahu / Ngāti Ruaiti) continues to convene the Education portfolio.  Reremoana continues a lifetime commitment to the education of our people in this role, as well as in her role as Kaiako of the Taipā Kohanga Reo.

Zarrah Pineaha and Renee Murray (Tahaawai) were appointed to the Health Portfolio.  It was proposed that this Portfolio be combined with that of Whānau Ora.  They will work closely with the Social Services Portfolio Convenor, whose appointment was deferred to the Rūnanga’s December hui-a-marama to allow time for feedback from Te Iwi o Ngāti Kahu Trust in Auckland.

Arthur Tukariri (Matarahurahu) was appointed to convene the Environmental Resource Management Portfolio.  As the mandated iwi organisation, we UNDERSTAND and KNOW government legislation, but ADVOCATE and UPHOLD Ngāti Kahu tikanga. 

The Rangatahi Portfolio is led by Wīkatana and John Popata Jnr (Ngāi Tohianga). To ensure the ongoing ability to express our rangatiratanga and mana, Ngāti Kahu take our rangatahi with us everywhere we go and involve them in everything we do. 

And finally, the Communications Portfolio is led by Lisa McNabb (Te Paatu ki Pāmapuria).  Lisa is also Ngāti Kahu’s representative to Te Reo Irirangi o Te Hiku o Te Ika Trust.

Te Rūnanga-a-Iwi o Ngāti Kahu is an expression of the mana of Ngāti Kahu hapū.  Collectively their appointed delegates are the mandated iwi authority of Ngati Kahu.  Their job is to strategise for the wellbeing of the descendants of Kahutianui and Te Parata, while at the same time maintaining the mana motuhake (the paramount authority) of Ngāti Kahu that has come down to this generation, and will be passed on to successive ones. 

Nineteen years after the ratification of the first Rūnanga Trust Deed, like their predecessors, this generation of leaders continues to do the job and, on Saturday, the mandate for Te Runanga-a-Iwi o Ngati Kahu as the iwi authority of Ngati Kahu was reconfirmed unanimously. 

The current Executive Officers and Portfolio Convenors bring a wide range of ages, skills, life experiences and governance expertise to the table.  I feel humble and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside of these leaders and to oversee the operationalisation of their strategies.

No reira, tātou mā, ngā tāngata whai pānga ki ngā marae maha o Ngāti Kahu.  Mā te waahi ngaro tātou katoa e arataki ki te oranga tinana, ki te oranga wairua i roto i te ao hōu.