Ngāi Tahu Representative for Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust

Role Overview

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is seeking a nominee to serve as a Ngāi Tahu representative on the Meridian Energy - Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust. This position offers a chance to actively contribute to preserving, restoring, and enhancing mahika kai within the Waiau catchment area, while ensuring that Ngāi Tahu values, interests, and aspirations are upheld in the Trust's initiatives.

About Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust

The Trust is dedicated to the conservation and improvement of mahika kai and freshwater ecosystems throughout the Waiau catchment. Its major responsibilities encompass:

• Habitat restoration and enhancement aimed at boosting the diversity and abundance of mahika kai resources.
• Strengthening the intertwined social, cultural, and economic ties between Ngāi Tahu and the Waiau catchment's natural resources.
• Facilitating sustainable harvesting of mahika kai by Kāi Tahu.
• Promoting management practices that sustain and improve mahika kai resources.
• Identifying and protecting significant fisheries, mahika kai sites, native flora, and wildlife habitats throughout the catchment.
• Investing in initiatives through grant funding to support the Trust's objectives.
• Backing efforts for sustaining native freshwater fisheries and mahika kai species, including activities such as eel trapping and relocation when necessary.
• Conducting research that supports the Trust’s aims.

Key Responsibilities

As a representative of Ngāi Tahu, you will:

• Bring a Ngāi Tahu perspective to Trust discussions to ensure tribal values and priorities are integrated into its work.
• Keep close communication with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu by updating them on tribal matters of significance.
• Represent Ngāi Tahu views on issues deliberated by the Trust.

Desired Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience in one or more of the following:

• Habitat restoration techniques
• Mahika kai cultural and environmental practices
• Ngāi Tahu resource management principles and tikanga
• Environmental management and water quality assessment
• Native freshwater fisheries management
• Community engagement and educational development
• Financial stewardship and management
• Strategic planning and execution

Meetings and Remuneration

• Attend approximately two annual meetings, held in Invercargill.
• Engage in additional correspondence and discussions via email as needed.

Vacancies and Nomination Process

• There is one vacancy available.
• Nominations must be submitted through your Papatipu Rūnaka.
• The following Rūnaka are eligible nominating bodies: Hokonui Rūnanga, Waihōpai Rūnaka Inc., Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka, and Te Rūnaka o Awarua.

Application Details

If interested, please contact your Rūnaka to express your interest and complete the nomination.

For further information or assistance connecting with your Papatipu Rūnaka, contact Mishele Radford, Advisor – External Appointments, at mishele.radford@ngaitahu.iwi.nz or by phone at 021 943 816.

Nominations need to be received by the Rūnaka by close of business on Friday, 28 August 2026.

All nominees will receive formal notification following the review and appointment process conducted by the Rūnaka.

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai.