Solomon Tipene brings to Te Tai Tokerau 40+ years of working with whanau in the community. The eldest child of Private Horomona Tipene and Mereana Tipene, Solomon is a speaker of te reo with a broad knowledge of kaupapa Maori as it applies to both contemporary and traditional situations.

In his current role as Kaitakawaenga Maori for the Whangarei District Council Solomon has established a strong Maori presence in Council to support and engage iwi/hapu and Maori in Council decision making.

He has worked with many public and private sector agencies (such as Te Wananga o Aotearoa, the Open Polytechnic; Department of Corrections; Child, Youth and Family; New Zealand Army, Maori Affairs, Department of Social Welfare) to secure beneficial outcomes for Maori by leveraging the skills, professionalism and expertise of the local people.

Having worked in Auckland for most of his public career, Solomon has a very real sense of the issues facing Maori right across his electorate, and an enthusiasm for taking up the priorities from the northern fringes of Auckland including Northshore and Waitakere up to te rerenga wairua (Cape Reinga).

Solomon has extensive networks across Te Tai Tokerau and recognised credibility in many positions of responsibility, including the Regional Leadership Group for Whanau Ora; and the Executive Management Group of Te Maara o Hineamaru – Manawatopu (the governance board for Te Runanga o Ngati Hine Trust). He also brings into the seat experience in some of the leading initiatives associated with the North, such as having been a Trust Board Member for Pu Hao Rangi Trust that initiated and lodged the Waitangi Tribunal 262 claim for Flora and Fauna; or as Trust Board member for Aotearoa Radio 603 AM and Soul 96.8 FM.

Solomon is also a proud father of three children, grandfather of six, and great-grandfather of one.

ENDS

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