Kawanatanga

Robert has extensive iwi governance and management experience working predominantly alongside our iwi leadership of Mōkai Pātea. He believes strongly in effective decision-making, transparency, being open to learning, taking responsibility and being accountable. He has a real passion for our iwi of Mōkai Pātea to support the long-term growth and sustainability of our people, through sound, prudent and workable solutions that are enduring and of high value.

In the Taiao space, he chairs the iwi collective of Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei, having actively supported the key work programmes over the past eight years of its existence. As the General Manager for Rauhuia Environmental Services, he supports Mōkai Pātea iwi in conducting resource consents and consulting with various stakeholders seeking engagement on environmental matters within the rohe boundaries.

Neville was born in Taihape and raised on the farm at Utiku by his great-grandparents, Ripeka Utanga (née Potaka) and Wirihana (Wilson) Winiata Te Whaaro.

As a well-respected kaumātua with tremendous mana, his role is vital in the collective efforts to enhance and preserve the mauri (life force) of the Rangitīkei Awa and its tributaries embodying the values that guide Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei and their actions, such as Kaitiakitanga (maintaining and enhancing the mauri of the Awa and its tributaries) and Kōtahitanga (working together).

Neville’s leadership is pivotal in navigating complex relationships and agreements essential for the successful advocacy and implementation of the iwi and their environmental management and protection initiatives. His efforts align with broader strategies that seek to recognise and incorporate Māori values and knowledge systems, such as mātauranga Māori, into environmental planning and conservation practices.

Moira comes from the Akatarewa line of Ngāti Tamakōpiri and serves as a co-chair of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Tamakōpiri. In addition to her leadership within the Rūnanga, she has been a dedicated delegate on both Te Rōpū Taiao and Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei for several years. Through these roles, she has contributed to environmental and cultural initiatives, working closely with other iwi representatives and external stakeholders.

As a delegate from Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whitikaupeka, Barbara has been involved in whānau, hapū, and iwi development within the Taiao space for over 30 years. Her efforts extend not only to Ngāti Whitikaupeka but also to other whanaunga iwi of the Mōkai Pātea rohe. She has convened the Environmental Working Party and has served as the convenor for Te Rōpū Taiao o Mōkai Pātea northern iwi for over two decades. Additionally, she is the Ngāti Whitikaupeka Iwi Lead for the Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei collective, working alongside the iwi leads from Mōkai Pātea and Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa.

Barbara emphasises the significance of their iwi collective, stating, “Our iwi collective has enabled us to collaborate with a wide range of government agencies and community entities, focusing on protecting, restoring, and enhancing Te Taiao for everyone within our takiwā and rohe.”

“Although the sun is at its zenith, the tides Keep driving me on”

More than three decades ago, Marj made her way home from Wellington. Upon her arrival, her father imparted a pivotal piece of advice: “You need to join the Marae committee.” Taking this to heart, she has since been deeply involved in Iwi activities. Her commitment spans across several key areas, including the operations of the Marae, the management of Kaumatua flats, representing Ngai Te Ohuake as a Rūnanga delegate, and participating in environmental stewardship through the Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei Governance Group.

Michael brings a wealth of experience in policy development, strategic management and influencing change in large organisations.

As a liaison between Horizons and Ngā Puna Rau. Michael is a key element that allows Horizons staff and Ngā Puna Rau technical officers to achieve aspirations as set out in the Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei Strategy plan.

Whanganui born and bred Stacey joins the Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei Governance
Board as a representative member for Ngāti Hauiti. Stacey has worked with the Iwi
Research Unit of Whakauae for 13 years and is now working for Te Maru o Ruahine
Trust as the Assistant Manager supporting Robert and the team there.