Kāhui Māori welcomes new members

We are pleased to welcome Joe Harawira and Ian Ruru to the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge Kāhui Māori.

The Kāhui provides expertise and advice to the Challenge, so that its research can deliver outcomes that benefit Māori.

Joe Harawira is currently the Kaihautū Te Pūtahitanga, Director-Strategic Partnerships and Treaty at the Department of Conservation (DOC). In this role he supports and advises DOC in Treaty of Waitangi negotiations, professional development and Māori capability building across the organisation (includes te reo Māori translations, waiata, tikanga Māori-protocols). Previous roles in DOC have been as Pou Hapai (Principle Cultural Advisor) and as a Pou Tairangahau and Kaupapa Atawhai Manager (Indigenous Conservation Ethics Manager).

Joe regularly accompanies the Minister of Conservation for engagement with whānau, hapū, iwi across the country and at times has spoken on behalf of the Government at formal hui with Māori.  Joe has also led discussion and engagement regarding the use of 1080 for DOC which in general is a very contentious topic for Māori communities.

Ian Ruru has a scientific background in marine and freshwater fisheries. He is Director of Ngāti Porou Fisheries Ltd, Te Aitanga a Māhaki Fisheries Ltd, Ngāi Tai Fisheries and the Iwi Collective Partnership (ICP). He is customary fisheries Tangata Kaitiaki for the Te Aitanga a Māhaki Trust and was recently appointed to the Board of Te Wai Māori Trust.

Ian has a Masters in Aquaculture and previously worked for Te Ohu Kaimoana (Māori Fisheries Trust) as a stock assessment scientist. Ian gained his appreciation for mātauranga Māori from his father, the late Bill Ruru, as they taught qualifications in aquaculture and customary fishing at 300 marae.

We would like to thank Sheryl Miller and Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai, former members of the Kāhui, for their guidance and support.