Te Maruata: Whatunga, Komiti
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Te Maruata

For local government to deliver on the commitments made in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, it is essential that there is strong engagement with Māori communities across the country/motu, be they elected members, community participants or voters.    

The role of Te Maruata is:

  • promoting increased representation of Māori as elected members of local government;
  • enhancing Māori participation in local government processes;
  • providing support for councils in building strong relationships with iwi, hapu and Māori groups; and
  • providing Māori input on development of future policies or legislation relating to local government; and
  • fostering and supporting a network of Māori elected members and staff of local government  for the purpose of sharing information, challenges and aspirations relevant to kaupapa Māori.

Te Maruata whānui is for all Māori elected and appointed members. Te Maruata Rōpū Whakahaere is a sub-committee of the National Council of LGNZ and is made of up Māori elected members who are metro, rural and provincial and regional sectors representatives, Māori wards and constituencies representatives, young, elected member representatives and members elected at large.

Rōpū Whakahaere 2025-2028:

Co-Chairs: Dinnie Moeahu, Councillor New Plymouth District Council & Aubrey Ria, Deputy Mayor Gisborne District Council

  • Metro representative: Kylie Wihapi, Councillor Porirua City Council
  • Regional representative: Hinewai Ormsby, Councillor Hawke's Bay Regional Council
  • R&P representative: Aubrey Ria, Deputy Mayor Gisborne District Council
  • YEM representative: Raiha Bell, Councillor Manawatū District Council & Wahine Murch, Councillor Taupō District Council
  • Community Board representative: Irene Wakefield, Community Board Member Te Awahou Foxton Community Board
  • Wahine representative: Toni Boynton, Councillor Whakatāne District Council
  • Tane representative: Iwi Te Whau Jr, Councillor Bay of Plenty Regional Council
  • At large representatives: Dinnie Moeahu, Councillor New Plymouth District Council, Iaean Cranwell, Councillor Environment Canterbury, Bonita Bigham, Deputy Chair Taranaki Regional Council, Arama Morunga, Councillor Northland Regional Council