Acknowledging The Past, Looking Forward To The Future

Thursday, 29 May 2025, 6:35 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

The Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated (NKII) triennial election took place on 24 April 2025. We have 5 brand new Board members being welcomed onto the Board at Waipatu Marae on Friday 30 May at 9am.

The Board members who will be replaced are Nigel How (Wairoa), Thompson Hokianga (Heretaunga), Jenny Nelson-Smith (Tamatea), Eruera Beattie (Northern Taurahere District) and Haami Hilton (Kaumātua). The brand new Board members who are taking on the new positions are Esta Wainohu (Wairoa), Aretha (Crystal) Edwards (Heretaunga), Anthony Tipene-Matua (Tamatea), Te Aihurangi Tangiora (Northern Taurahere) and Cordry Huata (Kaumātua). Bayden Barber (Chair) and unopposed candidates Melissa Ihaka (Wairarapa), Hayden Hape (Tamaki nui ā-Rua), Hori Reti (Te Whanganui a Orotū) and Brian Ruawai-Hamilton (Southern Taurahere District) will maintain the momentum of the Board.

Today, NKII staff and board members, whānau, friends and associates held a special luncheon to acknowledge Kaumātua Haami Hilton and his lovely wife Edina, for his 26 consecutive years of service on the NKII Board.

Former Chairman of the NKII Board, Ngahiwi Tomoana, kept the crowd engaged every second of the way as we celebrated our Kaumātua. Ngahiwi and Haami have served for the same number of years on the board. It was an emotional, fun filled afternoon as speakers shared fond memories of their time with Uncle Haami. Special gifts were exchanged and heartfelt words expressed. The following phrase was offered by Jeremy Tātere Macleod and was written on his special photo frame presented to Uncle Haami.

Ahakoa kua poto a mua, kua roa a muri, arā, kua tae ki ngā taru o Tura - ko te mahara ka tū tonu. Ko tō mātau aroha ki a kōrua kai te rangi tōna whānui, kai te moana tōna hōhonu, kai te paerangi tōna roa.

Although the path ahead is short, the one behind is long; indeed, we have reached the lands of Tura – and yet, memory will endure. Our love for you both is as vast as the sky, as deep as the ocean, and as long as the horizon.

Wise words from our beautiful Whaea Liz Hunkin, “It’s time to rest”. “You’ve done so much for the iwi and we are very lucky to have had you, but it’s time to rest” It was a wonderful time together.

Tomorrow, the new members will be welcomed in as a new board, bringing with them a fresh perspective, unique skills, experience, and the ability to help rejuvenate discussions about the organisation's vision and mission. After their pōhiri tomorrow, the new NKII Board will hold their first meeting at the NKII office. Kaupapa being discussed tomorrow includes dealing with the ongoing issues of a racist government, housing crisis, newly launched health and wellbeing initiatives and up and coming events including the  Fish Hook Summit, 11 Matariki events and the KAHUNGUNU 2050 Vision hikoi. It’s fun times ahead, but rewarding in many ways.

‘Courage, and Commitment, Time and Energy describe some attributes of a good governor. Health and Wellbeing, time with whānau, are always the most important things we need to serve.

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