21 Dec 2011

Former top policeman takes Govt oil and minerals job

7:03 pm on 21 December 2011

A former senior policeman has become the first iwi relationships manager at the Ministry of Economic Development - working for its petroleum and minerals division.

Pieri Munro used to be the district commander for the Wellington region, and set up the force's Maori Pacific and Ethnic Services office.

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Mr Munro says he really wanted the role, and as a central pillar and bottom line he wants to look after papatuanuku, or mother earth.

He says he's looking forward to meeting and liaising with Maori around the country, and says there has to be care over how resources are used.

The Wairoa-born former superintendent says there are four 'well-beings': economic, environmental, social and cultural - which he'll consider in his decision making.

On a Ministry of Economic Development website page, he states he's a seasoned practitioner in planning, implementing and getting results.

Mr Munro lists his hapu as: Ngai Te Ipu, Ngati Hinepua, Ngati Hine and Ngai Tarita.