Inside iwi governance with Lisa Tumahai, former chair for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu

Overview

Following seven years as chair and five years as deputy chair, for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Lisa Tumahai CNZM will be interviewed by Te Kura Taka Pini Chief Executive Gabrielle Huria MNZM. 

Lisa will share her reflections on her time as Kaiwhakahaere (leader of the board) and what she has learned.  She will also provide insights into the unique characteristics of an iwi governance context, how decisions are made within Ngāi Tahu, and what people need to be aware of when seeking a relationship with Ngāi Tahu.

Following this event, a dinner will be held for Distinguished and Chartered Fellows in honour of our newest Distinguished Fellows, Jane Huria DistFInstD and Brian Wood DistFInstD.  To register for dinner

Lisa Tumahai

CNZM

Lisa has extensive governance experience that expands 23 years and is a highly respected leader and advocate for her hapū Ngāti Waewae. Lisa’s career has focused on ensuring Ngāi Tahu Iwi thrive.

She is the CEO for Pokeka Poutini Ngai Tahu Ltd tasked with advancing the commercial, environmental, social, and welling being aspirations of Poutini Ngai Tahu, based on Te Tai o Poutini.

Lisa is also the Deputy Chair for the He Pou a Rangi the NZ Climate Change Commission which provides independent and expert advice to Government to help meet Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate change goals.

Lisa’s passion and commitment to climate change led to her joining Hinemoana Halo Partnership Fund Ltd as the co-chair.  Hinemoana Halo is a dual ocean and climate resilience initiative which aims to facilitate rapid carbon deceleration across Aotearoa and the Pacific through nature-based solutions.   

She is on several boards including University of Canterbury Council, The National Waitangi Trust, Development West Coast and Te Ara Pounamu Ltd.

For her services to Māori development, Lisa was made Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit 2023.

Gabrielle Huria

MNZM, Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri

Gabrielle Huria is the Chief Executive of Te Kura Taka Pini – the Ngāi Tahu company set up to work strategically with freshwater in the Ngāi Tahu takiwā/ tribal area. Mahinga Kai (mutton birding, whitebaiting, eeling) is integral to Gabrielle’s world view, driving a commitment to improving water quality and quantity. She has an extensive background in governance and tribal development. 

In addition to her role as Chief Executive, Gabrielle is the Chair of the University Digital Screen Advisory Board and a member of the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre Advisory Board. 

Prior to her current role, Gabrielle was Principal Advisor for Christchurch City Council and the inaugural Chair of Emerge Aotearoa. In 2018 she received her MNZM for services to Māori and governance.

Additional information

Covid-19 precautions

By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our Covid-19 health and safety measures. If you are unwell or have any Covid-19 symptoms please do not attend this event.

Additional requirements

Should you have any particular dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.

Branch event cancellation policy

Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event.

See our standard terms and conditions for more information.

Contact

Sharynn Johnson
Canterbury Branch Manager

+64 3 968 6468
canterbury.branch@iod.org.nz

Our sponsors

The Canterbury Branch acknowledges the generous support of