Ngāi Tahu Representative for Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum Trust

Overview

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu seeks nominations to appoint a representative to serve on the Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum Trust. This role offers a chance to influence the governance and long-term sustainability of this culturally significant institution located within the Ngāi Tahu takiwā. The appointed representative will support the protection and promotion of the Museum's rich collections, taonga, and pūrakau, ensuring Ngāi Tahu values and interests guide the Trust's activities.

About the Museum Trust

The Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum Trust is responsible for governing a regional museum housing nationally important Māori taonga collections. The Trust preserves the Museum’s heritage and collections, sharing the intertwined histories of Māori and Pākehā life on Banks Peninsula (Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū) with future generations.

The Trust provides strategic oversight by:

• Setting and advancing the Museum’s vision and mission.
• Creating strategic plans to direct future decisions.
• Overseeing programs, operations, and outcomes.
• Managing financial, physical, and human resources responsibly.
• Safeguarding assets and ensuring the Museum’s long-term viability.

Key Trust goals include:

• Preserving Okains Bay’s unique heritage.
• Building strong relationships with mana whenua, notably Ngāti Huikai via Te Rūnanga o Koukourarata, alongside the local and regional communities.
• Ensuring the care and management of priceless taonga and collections.
• Supporting engaging educational and public programming.
• Maintaining robust governance to sustain the Museum culturally and financially.

Role Responsibilities

As a Ngāi Tahu representative Board member, you will bring tribal perspectives into Trust discussions, ensuring Ngāi Tahu interests and aspirations are upheld. You will maintain strong communication with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, keeping them informed on tribal matters and conveying Ngāi Tahu views on Trust issues.

Candidate Profile

The ideal trustee will have some or all of the following:

• An understanding or experience within the communities or sectors related to the Museum.
• A commitment to the bicultural foundation of the Museum and a shared vision for its future.
• The availability to dedicate the necessary time and actively engage in trustee duties.
• A willingness to learn about, support, and engage with the Museum’s ongoing efforts.
• Interest in contributing beyond meetings through attending events, participating in volunteer work like working bees, representing the Museum at community occasions, and assisting with special projects aligned to their expertise.

Commitment and Meetings

Trust Board meetings take place every two months. New trustees can expect to spend approximately 40-60 hours per year fulfilling their responsibilities.

Vacancies

There is one vacancy available for this position.

Application Process

Nominations should be submitted via your Papatipu Rūnanga. The following Rūnaka may nominate candidates:

• Ōnuku Rūnanga
• Wairewa Rūnanga
• Te Rūnanga o Koukourarata
• Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke
• Te Taumutu Rūnanga

If interested, please contact your Papatipu Rūnanga to discuss nomination and complete the process.

For further information or assistance with contacting your Papatipu Rūnaka, please reach out to Mishele Radford, Advisor – External Appointments.

The nomination deadline for the Rūnaka is close of business Friday 28 August 2026. Successful nominees will be informed after the Rūnaka review and appointment process.

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai!