Justin Tipa elected Kaiwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
Justin Tipa (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe) has been elected Kaiwhakahaere (Chair) of Te Rūnanga Ngāi Tahu, replacing Lisa Tumahai who step downs after seven years in the role.
Friday’s election was held during a tribal hui at Arahura Marae near Hokitika.
A vote for the Kaiwhakahaere Tuarua (Deputy Chair) was also held during the hui, however the vote was drawn, meaning another vote for the Tuarua position will occur at the next formal meeting of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu in early 2024.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is responsible for protecting and advancing the collective interests of more than 80,000 iwi members and the governance of a diverse portfolio of assets and interests.
Tipa becomes Kaiwhakahaere after representing Te Rūnanga o Moeraki on the tribal council for the past two years. He is also an executive member of Kāi Tahu ki Tuawhenua who represent the seven Papatipu Rūnaka of the Queenstown District Council region.
"I am humbled by the support I have received throughout the motu and understand the weight of expectation that comes with these roles," he says.
"I will always acknowledge our pakeke and kaumātua who have sacrificed much to build our tribal strengths. I do not underestimate the mahi ahead to continue to move our iwi forward."
Tipa says he is committed to listening to whānau and ensuring there is tikaka-based decision making at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.
"Like all New Zealanders, our whānau are experiencing the ongoing effects of rising living costs, so hearing the issues that matter to them are essential as we plan the delivery of our tribal programmes.
"I am proud to lead an iwi which has invested $930 million into tribal development since our Crown Settlement 25 years ago. It is our duty to serve our whānau now and into the future – Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us."
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu holds an election to select a Kaiwhakahaere every three years. Representatives of the 18 Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnaka vote to choose the Kaiwhakahaere on behalf of their registered whānau members.
Each Representative has a seat on the tribal council (Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu) and represents the views of Ngāi Tahu whānau who whakapapa to their rūnaka.
Tipa grew up in Te Kohurau in the Waitaki valley and was appointed representative for Moeraki in 2021. Parents to four boys, Tipa and his partner Ana reside on the pā at Moeraki where he has been the chair of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki since 2019.
He has a strong commitment to language and culture revitalisation and is a passionate practitioner of traditional karakia supporting many Kāi Tahu marae to grow capacity on the paepae. With a background in manufacturing, education and most recently as Chief Advisor Māori for Fonterra – Niu Tīreni New Zealand’s largest company, he brings a wealth of experience in navigating complex issues with multiple stakeholders.
