25 Feb 2015

Selwyn Parata to lead Ngati Porou Runanganui

8:56 pm on 25 February 2015

Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou has appointed a new leader, Selwyn Parata.

Te Matatini Society chairperson Selwyn Parata.

The new chairman of Ngati Porou, Selwyn Parata. Photo: RNZ

The position was left vacant after the death of the tribe's renowned chair, Apirana Mahuika.

Yesterday was the first time that the tribal board met since his death.

The trustees acknowledged Mr Mahuika, and voted to appoint Mr Parata, who was previously the deputy chair.

That second-in-charge position has been given to Rei Kohere, who was a member of the tribe's treaty settlement negotiation team.

New chairman Selwyn Parata gave his thanks to the board and said he was privileged and excited to lead the tribe.

He will chair Ngati Porou until at least November when new trustees will be picked following an election for 14 board members in August.

Selwyn Parata said it will be up to the people to decide who takes over.

In the meantime, he planned to continue developing the iwi and said the big kaupapa [issues] he was looking at were health, the tribal dialect being spoken by Ngati Porou hapu and iwi, and employment.

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