Te Maruata hui sets direction for new triennium

Over 90 Māori elected members from across New Zealand gathered in Wellington recently for the first Te Maruata hui of the new triennium, as LGNZ’s Te Maruata network continues to grow in record numbers.

Te Maruata is the national committee of Māori elected members within LGNZ, operating as a Māori advisory group to provide guidance and support on Māori issues in local government.

The hui saw Rōpū Whakahaere elections held, with Dinnie Moeahu and Aubrey Ria elected as Te Maruata co-chairs. Dinnie Moeahu says Te Maruata is an important resource and support mechanism for Māori elected members.

“This Te Maruata hui brings together councillors, Mayors, iwi representatives and community board members from across the motu; giving our Māori elected members an opportunity to connect, build networks across local government and share insights with each other,” says Dinnie Moeahu.

“Our Māori elected members are all facing various challenges within their regions, so it’s important we have a forum to be able to share our knowledge around building effective relationships - and how to be effective council members for our rohe.

“It was also a chance to mihi to the previous co-chairs Iaean Cranwell and Toni Boynton, for their tireless work in giving Māori elected members a strong voice in local government.”

Aubrey Ria says the Te Maruata network has continued to grow in size and influence over the past few terms.

“Our network has grown to over 160 Māori elected members this term, up from 145 members in 2022 — this is our largest-ever number. This includes 64 Māori ward councillors across 37 local councils and 13 Māori constituency members across 5 regional councils,” says Aubrey Ria.

“Almost two-thirds of our Māori elected members are new to their roles, so supporting them in their mahi is vital. We look forward to working with the Rōpū Whakahaere and our wider membership to consider the priorities ahead for the next three years — with a focus on delivering for local communities.”

Te Maruata Rōpū Whakahaere (2025-2028)

Dinnie Moeahu, New Plymouth District Council - Te Maruata Co-Chair, At-large

Aubrey Ria, Gisborne District Council – Te Maruata Co-Chair, Rural & Provincial representative

Kylie Wihapi, Porirua City Council - Metro representative

Hinewai Ormsby, Hawke's Bay Regional Council - Regional representative

Bridget Bell, Manawatū District Council - YEM representative

Wahine Murch, Taupō District Council - YEM representative

Irene Wakefield, Horowhenua District Council - Community Board representative

Toni Boynton, Whakatāne District Council – Wahine representative

Iwi Te Whau Jr, Bay of Plenty Regional Council – Tane representative

Iaean Cranwell, Environment Canterbury – At-large

Bonita Bigham, Taranaki Regional Council – At-large

Arama Morunga, Northland Regional Council – At-large