Te Warena Taua appointed to Whakaruruhau
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Te Warena Taua MNZM as Te Pou Herenga - Community Member to our Whakaruruhau (Governance Group) of Te Ranga Tukutuku AUT Māori Research Network.
In his new role, Te Warena will provide guidance to the Whakaruruhau which includes university-wide representatives of Māori Professors, Associate Professors, Early Career Researchers, Professional Staff, Doctoral Students, and an appointment from Te Kāhui Poipoi Rangahau - AUT Research Office.
His expertise will help ensure that our collective decisions reflect Māori aspirations, uphold tikanga, and strengthen connections with iwi and Māori organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau.
About Te Warena
Te Warena Taua MNZM is a rangatira, historian and Chairman of Te Kawerau ā Maki, the northernmost iwi of the Tainui waka.
He was raised at Puketaapapa village, Ōrākei papakāinga and Te Puuaha o Waikato. He was taught by his grandfather and Waikato elders in tribal tikanga, whakapapa and traditional knowledge.
As an ethnologist and historian, he spent over a decade at Auckland Museum, specialising in Māori ethnography and tribal histories. He has also held ministerial board appointments, including service as a member of the Auckland Conservation Board.
He was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2004 for meritorious service to Māori and conservation.
He was the lead negotiator for Te Kawerau ā Maki’s Treaty settlement, resulting in the 2014 Deed of Settlement and the 2015 Claims Settlement Act. He was also a lead claimant for the Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki claim, including the writing of its historical account. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in securing the Deed of Acknowledgement for the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area, a landmark agreement between Te Kawerau ā Maki, Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation.
