Ngāi Tahu Governance 101: From Papatipu Rūnanga to Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu

Presentation

Speaker(s): Dr Michael Stevens
Date: 5:00pm — 7:00pm, 16 June 2026
Venue: Ascot Park Hotel
Location: Cnr Tay Street and Racecourse Road, Invercargill
Price members: $25.00 incl GST
Price non-members: $25.00 incl GST

Overview

Join us for an engaging session with Prof. Michael Stevens as he shares the history and structure of Ngāi Tahu governance — from the collective voice, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, to its eighteen constituent Papatipu Rūnanga.

Michael brings a unique perspective as both a historian and current Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Representative for Te Rūnaka o Awarua. Raised in Bluff and deeply connected to Kāi Tahu traditions, he offers valuable insights into how iwi governance works within Te Waipounamu in practice and why it matters.

This event is a valuable opportunity for directors and professionals to build their understanding of Ngāi Tahu governance and its relevance in today’s leadership landscape.

We are delighted to be partnering with the Southland Business Chamber to bring you this event.

Dr Michael Stevens

Dr Michael Stevens (Kāi Tahu) is a historian and governance leader. He holds a BA(Hons), LLB and PhD in History from the University of Otago and has published widely on Kāi Tahu history, including as co-editor of Tāngata Ngāi Tahu, vol. 2.

Michael is a trustee of Te Rūnaka o Awarua Charitable Trust, a gazetted Tāngata Tiaki, member of Te Pae Kōrako (the Ngāi Tahu Archives Advisory Committee), Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Representative for Te Rūnaka o Awarua, member of its Te Apārangi subcommittee and chair of Audit and Risk subcommittee. He is also a trustee of the Otago Community Trust.

Additional information

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

By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our event terms and conditions.

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.