Kaitiaki team
Puruhe Potaka
Pou Ārahi Taiao
Ko Aorangi te maunga tapu
Ko Ruahine te pae maunga
Ko Rangitīkei te awa
Ko Tākitimu te waka
Ko Ngāti Hauiti me Ngai Te Ohuake te iwi
Ko Ngāti Tamatereka me Mgati Hinemanu te hapū
Ko Rātā te marae
Ko Potaka tōku whānau
Ko Horima tōku papa
Ko Margaret tōku māmā
Ko au te Pou Arahi Taiao mō Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei
Raised in Rata, unaware of the beauty surrounding the Potaka Family home down the end of Taraketi Road with views of th Rangitikei Awa at his doorstep. It is the reflection of the then that he has appreciates the now to help protect these memories so when the opportunity arose to work for Te Patiki Holdings Ltd, on the Waterway fencing programme he was home.
In his role as Pou Arahi Taiao for Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei, he leads a team of two, focusing on their main project, Rangitīkei 253. This project aims to capture voices and perspectives along the 253 kilometres of the Rangitīkei Awa and its tributaries, merging historical narratives, stories, waiata, artwork, interviews, and pūrākau to honour and preserve the living taonga and spiritual heritage of our whānau and hapū. His passion and dedication drives to get this told because the future need to know the past.
Contact Information:
E: bruce@ngatihauiti.iwi.nz
M: (027) 260 4558
A: 43 Te Hou Hou Road, Rata
Jodie Munn
Āpiha Taiao
Ko Rangitīkei te awa
Ko Ngāti Whitikaupeka o ti ra Ngāti Tuwharetoa te iwi
Ko Ngāti Pikiahu-waewae te hapū
Growing up on her grandparent’s farm by the Rangitīkei River, Jodie felt a deep connection with the land and the river. Now, she embraces her Māori heritage and traditions to guide her. She is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for this beautiful land and river that mean so much to her hapū and whānau.
It’s been quite a journey being part of Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei, and as they work their best to gather knowledge and make the voices be heard, pushing for better decisions from the government and other stakeholders to protect the river for generations to come.
Contact Information:
E: Jodie@ngatihauiti.iwi.nz
M: (022) 322 8211
A: 43 Te Hou Hou Road, Rata
Shaina Kauika
Āpiha Taiao
I tipu ake ahau me te whānau o tōku Māmā i Mōkai Pātea.
Ko Erina raua ko Kaea ōku Tamariki
E noho ana ahau ki Whanganui
Raised in Taihape by her grandparents, Marg and Joe, Shaina is deeply committed to working in the taiao space, as kaitiaki. Shaina has acquired a wealth of skills and knowledge throughout her career, working to uphold the mauri and mana of our natural resources and environment.
Currently serving as Āpiha Taiao for Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei, Shaina is responsible for capturing various voices and perspectives, conducting research, and gathering knowledge about the Rangitīkei Awa and its tributaries. Her work is crucial in integrating this valuable information into the policies and plans concerning the Awa
Contact Information:
E: shaina@ngatihauiti.iwi.nz
M: (027) 212 9682
A: 43 Te Hou Hou Road, Rata
WHENUA MĀORI UNIT
Suzanne Hepi
Pou Ārahi Taiao
Ko Haize, Ko Kaelyn, Ko Aperahama ratou ko Auahi ōku Tamariki.
Kei Whanganui ahau inaianei
Currently serving as the Project Manager of the Whenua Māori Unit for Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei, her focus is on making substantial contributions to iwi governance, management, Māori economic development, and Māori land diversification. Through her research projects, she has developed comprehensive overviews that provide clear strategic directions, benefiting her iwi, hapū, and whānau governance. Suz is passionate about leveraging her skills and knowledge to drive positive change and sustainable development within the Māori community and she looks forward to continued growth and impactful contributions in her mahi.
Contact Information:
E: suzy@ngatihauiti.iwi.nz
M: (027) 944 2700
A: 43 Te Hou Hou Road, Rata
Lisa Martin
Āpiha Taiao
Ko Matawhaura te maunga
Ko Rotoiti-i-kitea-e-Ihenga te moana
Ko Ohau te awa
Ko Ngāti Pikiao te iwi Ko Ngāti Te Takinga te hapū
Currently serving as the Project Coordinator of the Whenua Māori Unit her focus is in supporting capacity managing resources, planning and scheduling, management of communications, status reports, project planning and building key relationships for the Ngā Puna Rau o Rangitīkei Whenua Māori Team.
Lisa looks forward to collaborating and building her knowledge to support and enhance landowner’s aspirations and is excited with the journey in front.
Contact Information:
E: lisa@ngatihauiti.iwi.nz
M: (027) 231 7100
A: 43 Te Hou Hou Road, Rata