MEDIA RELEASE

24 October 2008

ERMA New Zealand Welcomes New Tumuaki (Chair) And Members To Māori Advisory Committee, Ngā Kaihautū Tikanga Taiao

The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) this month welcomed a new Tumuaki (Chair) and two new members to Ngā Kaihautū Tikanga Taiao (Ngā Kaihautū), the committee that advises the Authority on Māori issues and perspectives.

New Tumuaki Glenice Paine replaces the recently retired Terry Smith, who had served as Tumuaki since 2003.

“It’s an honour to follow Mr Smith as Tumuaki,” said Ms Paine. “I know I speak for ERMA New Zealand when I thank him for his commitment and hard work on behalf of Ngā Kaihautū over the past five years.”

Ms Paine has been a member of Ngā Kaihautū since 2003, and brings a wealth of experience in Māori organisations to her new role. She is currently a Resource Management Consultant with considerable experience in iwi resource management issues. She is accredited under the RMA Making Good Decisions programme. Glenice is a Trustee on Te Atiawa Manawhenua ki Te Tau Ihu Trust and is also involved in a wide range of community initiatives. Ms Paine’s affiliations are Te Atiawa and Ngāi Tahu.

The two new members of Ngā Kaihautū are Dr Nicholas (Nick) Roskruge, a lecturer at the Massey University Institute of Natural Resources, and Janis (Wiki) Walker, who serves on the Northern Conservation Board and the North Health Medical Ethics Board, amongst others.

“We were fortunate to have a large and talented group of applicants representing a broad range of experience and expertise,” said Ms Paine. “Perhaps one of my hardest tasks so far as Tumuaki was helping to select from amongst the many qualified candidates—we received the largest number of applications to date for membership.”

Dr Roskruge is of Atiawa ki Taranaki and Ngāti Tama whakapapa. He holds a PhD in sustainable land use, a post-graduate diploma in Māori Resource Development and a Bachelor of Horticulture (Technology); his professional specialty is Māori sustainable economic development.

In addition to her board memberships, Ms Walker has worked at the Manukau City Council and at Māori Regional Support Services with the Northern District Support Agency. Her academic accomplishments include a post graduate Diploma in Business Administration, and she is currently studying towards a Masters in Planning Practice. Ms Walker is of Ngāti Hine descent and has a self-proclaimed passion for the rehabilitation of the Māori language as the repository of mātauranga.

“We’re pleased to welcome Glenice, Nick and Wiki to their new roles,” said Rob Forlong, Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand. “I’m sure they will contribute greatly to Ngā Kaihautū and its important work.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media