New Chair of Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou Announced

The late Dr Apirana Mahuika was the Inaugural Chairman of Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou. The fourteen elected Runanganui board members began their four year representative term in November 2011. Former Deputy Chairperson Selwyn Parata was yesterday voted by fellow board members as the new Chair of the organisation.

The board of Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou have confirmed the appointment of a new Chair and Deputy Chair for the organisation.

Yesterday the board met for the first time since the passing of Dr Apirana Mahuika, the former Chairperson of Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou.  The board meeting began with a moving tribute to the remarkable legacy of Dr Mahuika.  His vast achievements were acknowledged and his passing was formally noted. Selwyn Parata was appointed Chair and Rei Kohere appointed Deputy Chair following a vote conducted by board members.

Mr Parata currently serves as an elected representative for Rohenga Tipuna 5 (Rahuimanuka ki Mataahu). He previously held the position of inaugural Deputy-Chair for Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou and was also the Deputy-Chair for Te Runanga o Ngati Porou.

Below: Newly appointed Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou Chairperson, Selwyn Parata.

‍Mr Kohere is an elected representative for Rohenga Tipuna 1 (Potikirua ki Whangaokena), and was a member of Te Haeata, the Ngati Porou Treaty Settlement negotiation team, alongside Mr Parata.

Below: Rei Kohere has been appointed by Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou board members as Deputy Chair.

The newly appointed Chair and Deputy Chair will hold their positions until the four year term of the current elected representatives concludes in November.  Elections for the fourteen Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou trustee positions will be held in late August, with invitations for candidate nominations open in mid-June.