Strengthening relationships with mana whenua

STEWART BULL

Strategy and Policy Committee

Mana whenua can bring a beneficial influence to the decision-making table of Environment Southland, Stewart Bull says. Stewart (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe, Waitaha) has been working in the community and on conservation matters in the Southland region for many years. A member of the Southland Conservation Board, a board representative on the Murihiku Kaitiaki Roopu, a member of the Whenua Hou Committee, and a founding member of the Fiordland Marine Guardians, Stewart was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for his services to conservation and Māori in 2018.

“I do not take this responsibility lightly,” Stewart says. “My purpose is not about me solely. It is about having the ability and opportunity to contribute to the aspirations of the community as a whole.

“To achieve those aspirations, it must not be at the cost of the natural environment’s ability to stay resilient enough to sustain the biodiversity in the most natural way it was designed to do.”

ANN WAKEFIELD

Strategy and Policy Committee

For Ann Wakefield, bringing unique perspectives and having the opportunity to be part of the solution is key to moving forward in the environmental space. Ann (Ngāi Tahu) has whakapapa links to Aparima and is the chair of Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka.

She has been involved with the Rūnaka for more than 20 years, transitioning from volunteering and working for the Rūnaka to being part of the governance team. Ann has had a representative role on the Southern District Health Board and has a passion for working for the community.

Ann comes from a long line of strong wahine toa who have a deep connection to the whenua and are passionate environmental advocates. “I grew up watching my mother and people like Stewart (Bull) work in the environmental field, doing RMA (Resource Management Act) mahi and forging relationships in Southland. But we haven’t always had a voice at the table.

“It is a real privilege and ground-breaking for Southland to have mana whenua representation on this committee – it is true co-governance and a reflection of the value we have as Te Tiriti partners.”

GAIL THOMPSON

Regional Services Committee

Gail Thompson sees mana whenua representation as the next step in the strong relationship between mana whenua and the council.

Gail was born and raised in Bluff. She is actively involved with Te Rūnanga o Awarua and Te Rau Aroha Marae, as is her husband, who is also Ngāi Tahu. Gail has represented Awarua in a range of forums and has a particular interest in customary fisheries.

“Having mana whenua representation sitting at the table is another leadership stream,” Gail says. “We can show other areas of New Zealand the opportunity to work together and how things can work. It is visionary and it is a reflection of our enduring relationship.”