Six significant pou created by the late master carver Hugh Tareha have been restored by local Toi Māori practitioner Nathan Foote, marking a poignant moment in Hawke’s Bay’s cultural landscape. These pou, crafted from what Tareha affectionately called “Canadian kauri” – believed to be cedar – represent some of the final works by the renowned Māori artist who passed away suddenly in May 2022 at the age of 63.

The timber used for these pou has an interesting journey of its own. The wood originally traveled from North America as support beams for machinery ordered by PanPac, who later gifted the materials to Tareha for his artistic work. After completion of the restoration work, these pou are now ready for reinstallation at their designated sites.

Hugh Tareha, born around 1961 and a descendant of paramount Ahuriri chief Tareha Te Moananui, began his carving journey in the 1980s. As a member of the Ngāti Parau iwi, he became known for his ability to blend spiritual concepts with physical form in his artwork. His impressive portfolio includes numerous works that have become landmarks across Hawke’s Bay, including distinctive figures carved from tree stumps beside State Highway 50 at Waiohiki golf course, where he was based as a resident artist at Waiohiki Creative Arts Village.

Throughout his career, Tareha created works that captured the attention of both locals and international visitors, including legendary American rock guitarist Joe Walsh of The Eagles. Despite his renowned status, Tareha was known for his humble nature. As his brother-in-law Denis O’Reilly poetically described him, “He had the calloused hands of a carver, and diamonds on the soles of his shoes.”

A Legacy at Ahuriri Estuary

Tareha’s connection to Te Whanganui-a-Orotū (Ahuriri Estuary) runs deep through his artistic and cultural work. For over 20 years, several pou originally carved by Tareha and installed in partnership with the Department of Conservation have stood sentinel around the estuary. However, the harsh estuarine environment has taken its toll on these guardians, leading to a proposal for their replacement.

Before his passing, Tareha, along with kaumātua of Ngāti Pārau Hapū, had been working with the Department of Conservation to create six replacement pou. These new works were to be based on the traditional moteatea composed by Tamatea Pokaiwhenua and Kahungunu, specifically “Te Pepeha o Tamatea Pokaiwhenua,” which celebrates the abundant and diverse foods that flourished in and around the Ahuriri estuary in the 1400s.

The proposed six pou represented the traditional foods mentioned in the ancient chant:

• Karoro (Sea Gull)
• Patiki (Flounder)
• Pāua (Pāua)
• Pūpū (Cats eye)
• Kiore (Rat)
• Aruhe (Fern Root)

This concept reflected Tareha’s deep understanding that Te Whanganui-a-Orotū was traditionally known as the food basket of the region, celebrated for its abundance and variety of sustenance.

The Restoration Project

The restoration work was undertaken by Nathan Foote, a master carver in his own right, who brings 20 years of experience to the project. Foote, trained at the prestigious New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua, has created notable works including pou at Atea a Rangi and Frimley School, as well as contributions to Te Whare Te Manukura at Taikura Rudolf Steiner.

These pou hold particular significance as they are among the last works completed by Tareha before his unexpected passing, which occurred shortly after a salsa practice in Napier. Their installation will serve as a lasting testament to Tareha’s legacy, joining his other celebrated works that include sculptures at Ahuriri Estuary and West Quay, installations at the EIT Otatara campus, carvings at Waiohiki and Pukemokimoki marae, and the distinctive waharoa at Napier Port’s kororā sanctuary.

The completion of these pou by Foote ensures that Tareha’s vision for honouring the cultural and ecological heritage of Te Whanganui-a-Orotū will continue to educate and inspire future generations, while his artistic legacy remains deeply embedded in the landscape he knew and loved so well.

Installation Sites

The six restored pou will be installed at two significant locations around the Ahuriri Estuary, with three pou at each site. The Humber Street site, which receives the most visitor traffic, will feature:

• Te Karoro tangi tararau mai I runga o Tapu Te Ranga (Sea Gull) – The tallest pou positioned at the back
• Te Patiki tahanui o Otiere e (Flounder) – The middle-sized pou positioned slightly forward
• Te Paua patoto mai I runga o Tuhinga (Pāua) – The smallest pou at the front

The West Quay site will house the remaining three pou:

• Te Pupu tangi mai I runga o Matakarohirohi (Cats eye) – The tallest
• Te Kiore pekenui o Rimariki (Rat) – The middle-sized
• Te aruhe maomaonui o Pukekohu (Fern Root) – The smallest

This thoughtful arrangement ensures that the ancient moteatea of Tamatea Pokaiwhenua and Kahungunu continues to tell its story of abundance and cultural heritage to all who visit these sacred sites along Te Whanganui-a-Orotū.

Mana Ahuriri Holdings LP (“MAHLP”) is the commercial asset holding entity for Mana Ahuriri Trust (MAT), the Post-Settlement Governance Entity for Ahuriri hapū. MAHLP plays an important role in supporting MAT to grow and manage the commercial portfolio in a way that protects settlement redress while building long-term intergenerational prosperity for Mana Ahuriri.

MAT was established to receive and administer the redress of the historical Treaty grievances of Ahuriri hapū against the Crown, and MAHLP exists to responsibly develop, invest, and manage the commercial assets held on behalf of the Trust. The current portfolio has a strong property focus, including investment properties, housing developments, mixed-use strategic land, and forestry ground leases, with further opportunities emerging as the organisation continues to grow.

As MAHLP transitions from an establishment and Deferred Settlement Property delivery phase into a more stable long-term operating model, the organisation is strengthening its internal commercial capability to support the increasing scale and complexity of its activities. This role is an opportunity to contribute to an organisation that is not only central to the future success of Mana Ahuriri, but also plays a significant role in the wider economic and community development of the Ahuriri (Napier) region.

Download full job description here

For further details email tim@manaahuriri.org

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Organisation: Tamatea Pōkai Whenua / Mana Ahuriri Trust
Project Location: Whanawhana
Contract Type: Fixed-term, project-based
Application Deadline: Monday 23 February 2026
Report Due Date: May 29 2026
Payment: To be negotiated with the successful applicant

About the Role

Tamatea Pōkai Whenua and Mana Ahuriri Trust are seeking a skilled and experienced Cultural Report Writer to prepare a
Cultural Impact Assessment in relation to the Whanawhana Water Storage Project. 

Project Context

Heretaunga Water Security Limited is progressing pre-feasibility studies and preparing applications for resource consent
and wildlife approvals for a proposed dam intended to address water security and reliability across the Heretaunga Plains.
The Cultural Impact Assessment will contribute to project design, statutory processes, and ongoing engagement with
mana whenua. 

Key Responsibilities

• Independently engage with all mana whenua and hapū who hold connections to the area
• Gather cultural insights and perspectives through hui, kōrero, and other appropriate methods
• Prepare a comprehensive Cultural Impact Assessment Report that reflects te Ao Māori, cultural values, tikanga,
and any identified impacts
• Attend meetings or site visits as required (with support from TPW if needed)
• Ensure all work upholds the values and integrity of hapū engagement

Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Proven experience writing Cultural Values Reports, Cultural Impact Assessments, or similar
• Strong understanding of te Ao Māori and tikanga practices
• Ability to engage respectfully and effectively with hapū and whānau
• Knowledge of the area and existing relationships with mana whenua (preferred)
• Excellent written communication and research skills
• Ability to work independently and meet fixed deadlines

 Cultural Report: Scope

• Identification of culturally significant areas, waahi tapu and features within or near to the site that should inform
the design.
• The cultural context and narrative of the general area.
• Opportunities to weave in and promote the cultural narrative of the site and surrounding area & recommendations
for any mitigation that may be required with future development of the site to protect cultural values.
• Any further recommendations that reflect the values and aspirations of our hapū and wider whānau.

 Support and Deliverables

• A completed CIA report (digital and hard copy)
• Summary of engagement process with Marae representatives
• Map/spatial reference to support cultural site identification
• Recommendations for incorporation & consideration
• The successful applicant will be supported by Tamatea Pōkai Whenua and Mana Ahuriri Trust where needed (e.g.,
introductions to hapū, contextual background). However, the engagement process will be led by the writer.

Application here

For more details email taiao@tpw.iwi.nz or drop off to the TPW office at Level 1/117 Heretaunga Street, Hastings.

EOI closing date – 23 February 2026

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE 

The Project Manager – Taiao Programmes is responsible for planning, coordinating and delivering Mana Ahuriri’s portfolio of Taiao initiatives. The role provides integrated programme management across multiple environmental kaupapa to ensure high-quality delivery, strong partnerships, robust reporting, and alignment to Mana Ahuriri’s kaitiakitanga responsibilities and Te Ara Whakamua.

STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT – MANA AHURIRI POU

 Pou Taiao (Environmental Wellbeing)

• Leads delivery of mana whenua–driven environmental programmes
• Protects and enhances whenua, wai and moana
• Supports Te Mana o te Wai and marine cultural health outcomes

Pou Tikanga (Culture & Identity)

• Embeds tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori into programme design and delivery
• Upholds mana whenua narratives, values and tikanga

Pou Tangata (People & Whānau)

• Supports hapū, marae and whānau participation in Taiao programmes
• Builds capability through cultural monitoring and community engagement

Pou Ōhanga (Economic & Resource Stewardship)

• Supports funded programmes and sustainable resourcing
• Contributes to long-term environmental assets and value creation

Pou Rangatiratanga (Leadership & Governance)

• Strengthens mana whakahaere through robust reporting and delivery
• Supports statutory and co-governance responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme & Project Management

– Develop and maintain integrated programme plans across Taiao initiatives

– Establish project scopes, schedules, milestones, and delivery frameworks

– Track progress, risks, issues, and dependencies

– Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget

Te Muriwai o Te Whanga

– Project manage delivery of the Te Muriwai o Te Whanga Management Plan

– Coordinate work programmes, technical inputs, and cultural assessments

– Support statutory committee operations and reporting

Cultural Monitoring & Marine Cultural Health

– Oversee design, implementation and refinement of cultural monitoring frameworks

– Coordinate marine and freshwater cultural health programmes

– Ensure data collection aligns with Mana Ahuriri data sovereignty principles

Taiao & Freshwater Planning

– Lead or support development of Taiao Management Plans

– Support freshwater strategy, consenting processes, and co-governance initiatives

– Coordinate engagement with councils, agencies, and partners

Funding & Contract Management

– Assist with funding applications and business cases

– Manage contracts, milestones, and reporting requirements

– Monitor budgets in collaboration with GM and Finance

Reporting & Governance

– Prepare regular programme reports for Pou Taiao and GM

– Contribute to Board and Committee reporting

– Maintain accurate records and project documentation

Relationships & Engagement

– Build and maintain strong relationships with hapū, marae, whānau, councils, Crown agencies, researchers and partners

– Represent Mana Ahuriri in project and technical forums where delegated

CAPABILITY & EXPERIENCE

Essential

– Proven experience in project or programme management

– Experience working in environmental, freshwater, marine, or natural resource contexts

– Strong planning, coordination, and reporting capability

– Understanding of Te Ao Māori and tikanga Māori

– Strong relationship management and communication skills

– Full NZ Driver Licence

Desirable

– Experience working with mana whenua or iwi organisations

– Funding application and contract management experience

– Tertiary qualification in environmental management, planning, science, project management, or related field

 PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

– Values-driven and kaupapa-focused

– Organised and delivery-oriented

– Collaborative and respectful

– Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities

– Culturally competent and mana-enhancing

This is a fixed term position for 2 years. 

To apply please send CV and cover letter detailing what you would bring to the role.

Email applications to  info@manaahuriri.org

Physically, the unit must be no more than 70 m² in floor area, single storey, up to 4 m high, and usually with the floor no more than 1 m above ground, and at least 2 m away from any boundary and other buildings on the site. Heavy or experimental construction systems fall outside the intent of the exemption; the regime is designed around standard light‑weight timber or steel construction that designers and councils are already familiar with.

While you avoid building and resource consent fees, councils can still charge development contributions at the PIM or notification stage to help fund infrastructure, and those costs will vary by district. Central government estimates suggest New Zealanders could save around $5,650 in direct consent costs and shave roughly 14 weeks off typical timelines, with as many as 13,000 extra granny flats expected over the next decade.

Practically, the exemption shifts more responsibility onto owners and professionals: you must ensure the design is compliant, use competent LBPs, and keep good records so your new dwelling can be recognised as an asset for insurance, valuation, and future sales. Done well, the new rules can help families house grandparents, adult children, or tenants more easily, provided you understand both the benefits and the constraints before you start.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What has actually changed?

Q: What is the new granny flat exemption?
A: New national rules let you build a small, standalone dwelling up to 70 m² without needing a building consent or resource consent, as long as it meets specific size, design, and construction conditions.

Q: When did the new rules take effect?
A: The changes took effect in mid‑January 2026, following enabling legislation and new national direction under the Building Act and Resource Management framework.

Q: Does this apply everywhere in New Zealand?
A: Yes, the exemption is national, but each council still applies it through its own processes (for example PIMs, development contributions, and local infrastructure requirements).

2. Size, height and placement

Q: How big can my granny flat be?
A: The maximum is 70 m² of floor area for a single, standalone dwelling; you can build smaller if you want (for example one‑ or two‑bedroom units under 70 m²).

Q: Can I build two granny flats on one section?
A: The exemption is drafted around one small standalone dwelling per site, and typical residential site coverage limits mean most standard sections will only support one consent‑free granny flat.

Q: How tall can it be?
A: The building must be single‑storey, up to 4 m high from floor to the highest point of the roof, and the floor level is usually limited to 1 m above ground.

Q: Can I attach it to my existing house or build over a boundary?
A: No, it must be a separate, standalone building and cannot be built across property boundaries.

Q: How close can it be to boundaries and other buildings?
A: In general guidance, it needs to be at least 2 m from any boundary and 2 m from other buildings on the site, to manage fire separation, daylight and buildability.

3. Consents, council and costs

Q: If it’s “consent‑free”, do I still deal with council?
A: Yes; while you may not need a building or resource consent, you usually must notify council, obtain a PIM or equivalent information, and comply with district plan rules and infrastructure requirements.

Q: Do development contributions still apply?
A: Councils can still levy development contributions for granny flats, now linked to the PIM/notification stage rather than a building or resource consent, and can do so even if their policies need updating.

Q: How much money and time could I save?
A: Government estimates indicate savings of up to about $5,650 in direct consent costs and time savings of up to roughly 14 weeks compared with traditional consented minor dwellings.

4. Building standards and materials

Q: Do I still have to meet the Building Code?
A: Yes, the dwelling must fully comply with the New Zealand Building Code, including structure, weathertightness, fire safety and H1 insulation standards for habitable buildings.

Q: Who is allowed to do the work?
A: All work must be done or supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs), and they must provide records of work, because council is not checking each stage with inspections.

Q: Are there limits on construction systems?
A: The exemption assumes light‑weight construction such as conventional timber or light‑gauge steel framing; heavy systems like rammed earth or tyre‑based walls will generally fall outside the “simple design” requirement and need full consent

Q: Can I have a tiled shower or a wood burner?
A: Many industry interpretations advise against tiled showers and solid‑fuel burners under the exemption, because they raise waterproofing and fire‑safety risks that normally rely on consenting; adding them is likely to trigger the need for a full building consent.

5. Services, use and benefits

Q: Can I connect the granny flat to existing water, wastewater and stormwater?
A: Often yes, but your council will confirm through the PIM or pre‑application process whether you can connect to town services or need upgraded or on‑site solutions such as extra stormwater or wastewater capacity.​

Q: Can I rent the granny flat out?
A: The rules are designed to support extra dwellings that can be occupied, including by tenants, but you must still comply with healthy homes, tenancy and tax requirements if you rent it.

Q: What are the main benefits for homeowners?
A: Key benefits include faster delivery, lower upfront consent costs, more flexibility to house whānau on site, and the ability to add a valuable, insurable asset to your property when built to code and properly documented.

Q: What are the main constraints or risks?
A: Constraints include the 70 m² size cap, single‑storey limit, setback rules, continued liability for development contributions, and the need to self‑manage Building Code compliance; the risk is that poor design or “cowboy” builders could leave you with non‑compliant work that is hard to insure or regularise later.

6. Getting started

Q: What are sensible first steps if I’m considering a granny flat?
A: Good initial steps are to: check your council’s granny‑flat guidance page, engage an LBP designer or builder experienced in minor dwellings, request a PIM or pre‑application meeting, and get a detailed, fixed‑scope quote that clearly sets out responsibilities, timelines and warranties.

Q: Where can I find official guidance and templates?
A: The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) provides national guidance, templates, and checklists for homeowners, councils and building professionals on its Building Performance website under the granny‑flat consent exemption section.

If you tell me your council area and rough section size, I can tailor this into a one‑page info sheet or web article specifically tuned to your local rules.

The following video is also useful for understanding the new laws.

With Hawke’s Bay experiencing extreme heat conditions (temperatures reaching 30-33°C) and Level 3 water restrictions in place, we wanted to highlight some essential safety information for our members during the Christmas period and summer months ahead.  

EMERGENCY CONTACTS 

Fire Emergency: 111 Police Emergency: 111 Medical Emergency: 111 Healthline (24/7): 0800 611 116 Poison Centre: 0800 764 766 HBRC Pollution Hotline: 0800 108 838 Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797 Water Safety Issues: Contact local council 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

Regional Contacts 

• Hawke’s Bay Regional Council: www.hbrc.govt.nz 

• Hastings District Council: www.hastingsdc.govt.nz 

• Napier City Council: www.napier.govt.nz 

• Central Hawke’s Bay District Council: www.chbdc.govt.nz 

National Resources 

• Fire & Emergency NZ: www.fireandemergency.nz 

• Check fire permits: www.checkitsalright.nz 

• Civil Defence Get Ready: www.getready.govt.nz 

• Water Safety NZ: www.watersafetynz.org 

• NZ Food Safety: www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home 

• NZ Transport Agency: www.nzta.govt.nz 

• MetService Weather: www.metservice.com 

• Health NZ: www.health.govt.nz 

Weather Information 

• MetService: www.metservice.com 

• NIWA: www.niwa.co.nz 

• HBRC Weather: www.hbrc.govt.nz/environment/climate/weather 

#HawkesBaySummer #StaySafeHB #WaterWiseHB #FireSafeNZ #BeachSafetyNZ #SummerReadyNZ #HeatSafetyNZ #DrinkResponsibly #ArriveAliveNZ #HawkesBayLife 

Keep our Hawke’s Bay community safe and healthy throughout the summer season. Please share these important messages with your family, friends and neighbours. Let’s look after each other and enjoy a safe summer! 

For more information or to report concerns, contact your local council or the relevant emergency services. 

We’re looking ahead to an exciting year! Our housing developments continue to progress, and throughout 2026 we expect to move closer to welcoming whānau into warm, safe whare.

To help you prepare for these opportunities, Mana Ahuriri and Tamatea Pōkai Whenua have partnered with Ka Uruora – a PSGE and iwi-led kaupapa that will support you to build financial confidence and move toward your housing goals.

Together, we’ve created opportunities for you to take part in Te Uru Ahupūtea, our financial literacy course. These courses are the first step in accessing future housing opportunities, and they’re free, supportive, and open to all our registered members.

To register your interest or learn more about the courses above register here Financial Education – Ka Uruora.

We encourage you to come along, get the right support around you, and start preparing for the opportunities coming in 2026. Keep an eye out on our channels for more information over the coming weeks. 

E mihi kau ana, 

Mana Ahuriri and Tamatea Pōkai Whenua

Mana Ahuriri are pleased to introduce the 7 candidates standing for election to fill 4 vacancies on the Trust. 

Voter packs, together with detailed information about each candidate were sent out to all registered and verified adult members of the Trust on Monday 20 October 2025.  

The election will be conducted by post and online voting, with voting closing at 12 noon on Friday 21 November 2025. 

Below you’ll find profiles of each candidate. Please take the time to learn about their backgrounds, experience, and vision for the Trust before casting your vote. Candidates in alphabetical order. 

Kia Ora Koutou Katoa,

Ko Peter Eden toku ingoa.
Ko Ngati Hinepari, Ngati Maahu me Ngai Tāwhao oku Hapu.
Father of 3, married, lived raised in Ahuriri, next to Otatara Pa.

Long term proven commitment working for Māori aspirations both voluntary and mahi.

Example:
• Chairperson Moteo Marae
• Board Member Te Whanganui Orotu
• Māori Standing Committee Hawkes Bay Regional Council
Proven Governance Management knowledge:
• Finance
• Property Development
• Employment
• Social Development
• Business Management

I am a current board member on Mana Ahuriri previously campaigned when standing for Mana Ahuriri
• Supporting whanau hapu.
• Realizing Māori potential while supporting whanau growth

I believe I have achieved these aims with our Mana Ahuriri team and the future is looking great (small example following):
• Pukemokimoki Development 24 units underway
• Auckland Road 39 units (draft)
• McDonald St 14 freehold mixed houses (draft)
• Owen Street 24 Units (draft)
• Potential purchase ‘Napier Airport’

Next 3 years Mana Ahuriri will build a great future for whanau, would be great to support this vision/ mahi as a board member. 

Honesty, Transparency, Open Communication are attributes I bring to this role for all seven hapu of Ahuriri.

Ko Ngāti Pārau, Ngāti Hinepare, Ngāi Tawhao me Ngāti Mahu ōku hapū.
Ko Pānia te tipua nō te Iwi Ponaturi.

It has been my privilege to serve as a Trustee and current Chairperson of Mana Ahuriri Trust.

Our board and kaimahi have worked hard to ensure the voices of our hapū and marae are heard, and that the benefits of our settlement are realised for whānau me ngā uri whakatipu.
Humbled to lead and support this mahi, including:
• Kaitiakitanga – leading Te Muriwai o Te Whanga Plan to restore the Ahuriri Estuary and wider taiao.
• Housing, whānau wellbeing – advancing pathways such as Ka Uruora to build and provide homes, financial literacy, and support for whānau.
• Partnerships – ensuring Mana Ahuriri is at the table with councils, agencies, and iwi forums to influence decisions and build resilient partnerships.
• Strengthened communication and transparency to keep whānau informed and engaged.
• Rangatahi, kaumātua, tikanga – strengthening intergenerational ties for rangatahi, supporting the leadership of our kaumātua, and maintaining tikanga as a kaikarakia.

I put my hand up again with integrity and solid governance experience, to continue growing what we have and delivering outcomes that uphold our mana and support our hapū and marae of Ahuriri.

Nāku noa.

I bring a unique blend of vision and cultural grounding, and practical leadership to every kaupapa. My skills are weaving together people, place, and purpose – always grounding strategies in Tikanga Maori so that they are workable in todays context.

I carry the ability to navigate between Marae, hapu, iwi, councils and contractors with respect and mana, creating spaces for different voices while holding fast to Kaupapa Maori values.

I am a strategist who sees the bigger picture, yet never loses sight of the small everyday actions that bring change whether its developing waste minimization plans, environmental frameworks, rangatahi training programmes and rugby strategies.

My attributes include strong communication both written and spoken, with the ability to inspire and uplift through korero. I lead with humility, valueing collective decision making, but I also step forward with strength and courage when direction is needed.

I am solutions focused, innovative, and consistently making sure science, Matauranga Maori, and community needs are interwoven. Overall my mahi reflects Kaitiakitanga, Rangatiratanga and Aroha for the people and whenua.

Ko Ngāti Matepu, Ngāti Whakaari, Hine I te Rangi, Ngāti Hinepare, Ngāti Maahu, Ngai Tāwhao ngā hapū

Ko wai au? I am a proud daughter, sister, niece, aunty, mum to five and Nanny to five beautiful mokopuna. My world is centred on whānau, community and kaupapa that strengthen us as a hapū.

I am passionate about basketball, having coached, managed and refereed from grassroots to high performance. I also work in Ahuriri as People and Capability Senior Manager for a Mental Health Addictions and Homelessness NGO – Whatever it Takes Trust, the Chair for Roopu a Iwi and a Board member for Basketball Hawkes Bay.

My strengths lie in building strong strategic relationships and focus, working collaboratively, and ensuring decisions are made with integrity and transparency. I bring strong governance, thrive in strategic planning, and community engagement spaces, with a focus on sustainable outcomes that benefit our tamariki and mokopuna. I am not afraid to ask the hard questions, speak my mind, and do so with manaaki in true mana wahine HIHA style.

The loss of our precious marae during Cyclone Gabrielle has only deepened my commitment to serve. My vision is to see all our marae, hapū and community thrive

Tēnā koutou kei ōku nui, kei ōku rahi.

With the support of my whānau whānui, I believe I have the skills, experience, and abilities to help lead us into the future.

I was brought up under the guidance of many kaumātua, shaped and enriched through the teachings of various whare wānanga, giving me a holistic pathways within Te Ao Māori.
My 30 years working in the corporate world provided me with valuable experience in information technology, business analysis, project management, and high-level production systems.

Over the past four years, I served as the Director of Māori Partnerships at Napier City Council, where I focused to strengthen relationships with Mana Whenua o Ahuriri. In this role, I supported the normalisation of Te Ao Māori across Council operations embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi frameworks, for Council staff to understand the needs of our people.

In my term contributing to Mana Ahuriri Trust through Tikanga and Kawa Komiti, ensuring that our tikanga-based approach remains at the centre of our pathway moving forward.
My vision is to ensure Mana Ahuriri Trust remains strong, connected, and enduring for generations to come.

Āku mihi ki a koutou katoa.
Nā, Mōrehu Te TomoTOATOA

Ko Ngāi Te Upokoiri, Ngāti Hinepare, Ngāti Māhu, Ngāi Tāwhao ōku hapū.

I am of the kaupapa movement — kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori, wharekura, and whare wānanga — foundations that shaped my values of whānau, reo, and tikanga. I am a pāpā of two adult tamariki, an uncle to many nieces and nephews, and with my partner we raise her three young boys. These roles ground me in the importance of whakapapa, aroha, and creating opportunities for the next generations.

I stand for election to the Mana Ahuriri Trust with a commitment to serve as a kaitieki of our collective legacy. My background spans governance, project management, and whānau engagement across marae, hapū, and community settings.

I bring skills in strategic planning, financial management, and communications. I have led negotiations, overseen settlement outcomes, contributed to policy in areas such as climate resilience and whānau wellbeing, and worked with whānau to build pathways of opportunity and growth.

If elected, I will uphold the Trust’s mission to safeguard the legacy and assets of Ahuriri Hapū, guided by the wisdom of our tīpuna, the aspirations of our mokopuna, and the voices of whānau at the heart of every decision.

Ngā mihi, Meihana Watson

Kia ora mai koutou,

Nō Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine, Tūwharetoa me Ngāti Hine ōku tūpuna, i tipu ake āhau ki Heretaunga, ā, ko Ōmāhu, Wharerangi, me Mōteo ōku marae.
Ko Marina Toatoa tōku ingoa.

I write this profile in response to my nomination by whānau for a Trustee position with Mana Ahuriri Trust, I’m committed to serving whānau through transparent, accountable, and forward-thinking governance. My professional skills include business analysis, process improvement, and strategic planning, which I seek to apply in advancing the aspirations of Mana Ahuriri. I’ll bring governance experience, stakeholder engagement, and policy advice to strengthen the mahi of the Trust in supporting whānau wellbeing.

My strengths and priorities align with the Trust’s strategic plan, I’m passionate about Whai Rawa, growing financial literacy across our rohe, creating pathways to affordable housing and home ownership, and ensuring rangatahi are informed, engaged, and connected in shaping our collective future. I’m also committed to contributing to local and regional planning processes, particularly around resilience, sustainability, and ensuring regional plans reflect our rights and interests.

I see this role as one of service, working with integrity for the benefit of Mana Ahuriri, now and for generations to come.

Kia ora koutou

MANA AHURIRI TRUST 2025 TRUSTEE ELECTION

Confirmed Candidates 

Nominations for the 2025 Trustee election closed at midday on Friday 26 September 2025, with 7 nominations received for the 4 vacancies on the Trust.  An election is therefore required and will be conducted by postal and online voting.

The candidates in alphabetical order are:

• EDEN, Peter
• HAPUKU TE NAHU BAKER, Albert
• HAWAIKIRANGI, Te Kaha (TK)
• HIHA, Suzie
• TE TOMO, Morehu
• TOATOA, Marina
• WATSON, Meihana

Voter packs, together with information about the candidates, will be sent to all registered and verified adult members of the Trust on Monday 20 October 2025.  Voting closes at 12 noon on Friday 21 November 2025.

New members wishing to participate in this election must register on or before 5pm on Thursday 6 November 2025.  Registration forms are available from the Trust’s registrar by emailing registrations@manaahuriritrust.com or by phone to 0508 006 262.

Ngā mihi.