Lisa Tumahai appointed Kaiwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu

It is with great pleasure that we announce Lisa Tumahai, representative for Ngāti Waewae Rūnanga, was appointed as Kaiwhakahaere (chair) of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu following an election today.

The election took place at the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Board meeting at Tuahiwi Marae. Matapura Ellison, representative for Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, was also appointed as the Kaiwhakahaere Tuarua (Deputy Chair).

The Te Rūnanga board is responsible for the governance of more than $1.3B of tribal assets and protecting and advancing the collective interests of the iwi.

Lisa says it is a real honour to be elected as the Kaiwhakahaere and looks forward to building on the work she has already undertaken in the role since April 2016.

“I am humbled to have received such a strong mandate to carry on my role as the Kaiwhakahaere,” says Lisa.

“The strong mandate means we can move forward for the betterment of Ngāi Tahu whānui,” she says.

“My vision going forward is to ensure, as a Board, we create an evolutionary shift to better support the needs and wellbeing of Ngāi Tahu whānui,” says Lisa.

In 1973, at the age of 18, Matapura Ellison first joined the Huirapa Māori Committee after being encouraged by local kaumātua. From that time until the current day he has maintained an active involvement in the affairs of Puketeraki Marae.

Matapura says he looks forward to his new role and working with Lisa as Kaiwhakahaere.

“I am looking forward to supporting the Kaiwhakahaere and ensuring the Board is well placed to support Ngāi Tahu whānau today and into the future,” says Matapura.

Lisa has been a member of the Te Rūnanga board since 2001 and has held the position of Kaiwhakahaere since Tā Mark Solomon resigned in 2016.

Lisa pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of Tā Mark Solomon in his 18 years as Kaiwhakahaere.

Lisa is a descendant of Te Riaki and Teoti Tauwhare of Arahura, and daughter of Tahana and Gay Tauwhare. She is married to Francois and is the proud mother of three.

Lisa has a long history working with Ngāi Tahu and her rūnanga and will continue to bring her passion to this role.

The Kaiwhakahaere and Kaiwhakahaere Tuarua and will be straight into business representing Ngāi Tahu at Hui-ā-Iwi which is held at Tuahiwi Marae 24-26 November. Hui-ā-Iwi is a festival held every two years where whānau come together and reconnect. This year we will also be celebrating Te Kerēme – the Ngāi Tahu Claim.

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