Pita Tipene speaking at Waitangi. Photo: RNZ
Northland iwi leader Pita Tipene has thrown his hat into the ring to stand for the Northland Regional Council (NRC) at the upcoming local elections.
Tipene confirmed his intention to stand as a candidate for the Te Raki Māori Ward to be one of nine NRC politicians.
The decision to stand reflected a continued desire to bring strategic, Māori-led solutions for environmental, economic and regional issues, he said.
"It's time for bold, committed and unapologetic Māori leadership at the Council table - to protect and enhance our environment, support our Tai Tokerau communities, and hold our institutions accountable.
"Standing for the Te Raki Māori Constituency is a continuation of the work I've dedicated my life to - empowering and building resilient communities, protecting our environment, and ensuring Māori voices are heard where strategic decisions are made."
"Te Raki Māori Ward offers an opportunity to bring our values and ways of working into the council chamber. It's about partnership, kaitiakitanga, and working together to solve the challenges facing our rohe, from water quality and climate change to public transport and economic opportunity."
Tipene has worked within the Northland Regional Council as part of Te Ruarangi - Māori and Council Working party for the past twelve years, most of that as co-chair.
This year he received the King's Service Order for services to Māori, as well as being awarded the Tai Tokerau Māori Business Leader Award in recognition of his work across multiple sectors and serving the people and indigenous communities globally.
He is the chair of Motatau Marae and is a familiar face to locals and politicians at Waitangi, often speaking at the dawn ceremony as Waitangi National Trust chair, a role he stepped down from in June.
He is also a member of the National Iwi Chairs Forum and has presented to the Waitangi Tribunal on behalf of Ngāti Hine and Ngāpuhi since 2010.
Voting packs will be delivered from Tuesday 9th September, with votes closing Saturday 11th October at midday.
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