Written by: Dorina Paenga
30 Oct 2023

Albie was first employed in 1998 and has worked with seven Rūnanga CEO’s, successive board members and executives, including the late Dr Apirana Mahuika (Uncle Api) who was an acknowledged exponent in Ngāti Porou matters.  During these times, Albie was immersed in the teachings of many of our Ngāti Porou pakeke and kaumātua, and experienced first-hand the sacrifice, selflessness, and deep love they shared for Ngāti Porou.

As a witness to such unconditional love for the people, Albie is testament to her forebears as she applies herself with the same precision, meticulous deliberation, and deep love for Ngāti Porou.

Albie has been fortunate to witness the most significant iwi events of the past 25 years, including the Ngāti Porou settlement, the fisheries allocation, the takutai moana deed of agreement, and the cessation of the old Rūnanga trust board and establishment of Te Rūnanganui in its place.  She has organised and taken minutes at numerous board hui, AGMs, ratification hui, lectures, meetings with Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, Crown officials and institutions, and countless hui with our Ngāti Porou whānau. 

One of Albie’s early memories was her interview, where she had to complete several tasks and was put through numerous tests. Unlike today’s generation who has the ease of email and digital tools, as Board Secretary Albie had to photocopy all documents and hand deliver them to numerous destinations between Pōtikirua and Te Toka a Taiau.

Times may have changed but the mahi remains important to her.  She is a fountain of knowledge and everyone’s “go-to” if they need to be put straight.

We love and thank you Albie! See you on the dance floor!

Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou