Pou Whirinaki appointment strengthens Central Hawke’s Bay Council

Amiria Nepe-Apatu can’t wait to bring her local knowledge and passion to the Pou Whirinaki role with Central Hawke’s Bay’s Council.

“I love Tamatea Central Hawke’s Bay, and to be able to serve this community is awesome.  What can’t you love about this district – we are the little place that shines through thick and thin,” Nepe-Apatu says.

“We’re known for doing things a bit differently and being leaders in our ‘Tamatea way’. I’m looking forward working together on the issues and opportunities ahead of us”.

Amiria is a Pou Whirinaki appointment who will act as an advisor to support and strengthen Council’s decisions and responsibilities to Māori.

The appointment does not hold powers to vote at Council meetings.  The Pou Whirinaki roles replace Kaiārahi Matua Dr Roger Maaka, continuing a long history CHB has of Māori appointments to Council.  A second Pou Whirinaki appointment will be confirmed in the coming months.

The Council needs the Pou Whirinaki voice at the table, as it builds a resilient district– one that generations to come will benefit from, Mayor Alex Walker said.

“Pou Whirinaki literally means to be a pillar of support, and that is what Amiria will be for the Council as it makes decisions,” Mayor Alex Walker said.

“We want to be a Council that serves all of the community, and that means recognising mana whenua and the knowledge they bring with them, from their own lives but also from their whakapapa.”

“This is a slightly new approach from Dr Roger, who retired in 2022, but it is a welcome one.

“We’re excited to welcome Amiria into her role.”

19 August 2024

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