Lisa Tumahai CNZM (née Tauwhare; born 1966) is a New Zealand iwi leader and was the first female kaiwhakahaere (chairperson) of Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu. She stepped down as chair in 2023 after serving six years. In 2023 Tumahai was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori development. She is the deputy chair of the Climate Change Commission, and serves on the council of the University of Canterbury.
Lisa Tumahai | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Tumahai in 2024 | |
| Born | Lisa Tauwhare |
| Awards | Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit |
| Academic background | |
| Alma mater | University of Canterbury, Stanford University |
Career
editTumahai is Māori and affiliates to the Ngāi Tahu, Tainui, Ngāti Hikairo, and Ngāti Kahungunui iwi.[1] She is the fifth of six children, and was born in 1966 in Bishopdale in Christchurch.[2] Tumahai left school with no qualifications, and worked in sewing factories and hospitality before taking a tourism course, followed by an administrative job.[2] She then earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury, followed by study at Stanford University Graduate School of Business.[3]
Tumahai spent five years as deputy chair of Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu before being appointed interim chair in 2016, taking over from Mark Solomon.[4] She was the representative for Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae, having been elected to that role in 2003.[4][2] Tumahai was then elected chair at elections the following year.[5] She was reelected for another three year term in 2020.[6] Tumahai was the first female chair of the runanga, and served for six years.[5][7] The runanga represents 70,000 people and manages over $1.8 billion of assets.[2] During her period as chairperson,Tumahai worked to decentralise the governance of Ngāi Tahu, passing more control to the local runanga. She also improved the environmental performance of Ngāi Tahu operations, including having V8 jet boat engines converted to electric engines.[2][1] Tumahai did not seek reelection in 2023, saying her "tank was dry".[8]
Tumahai serves on the University of Canterbury council and the Waitangi National Trust and Development West Coast.[9][10] She has also been on the board of the health and social services provider Te Poutini Waiora.[1] Since its inception in 2019, Tumahai has been deputy chair of the He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission.[11][12]
Tumahai is married with three children, and lives in Hokitika, on the West Coast of New Zealand.[2]
Awards and honours
editIn the 2023 New Year Honours Tumahai was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori development.
References
edit- ^ a b c "New Year Honours List 2023 - Citations for Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)". www.dpmc.govt.nz. 31 December 2022. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Abraham, Matt (3 April 2022). "Lisa Tumahai is Ngāi Tahu's First Female Chair". North & South Magazine. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "UC Chancellor reappointed | University of Canterbury". www.canterbury.ac.nz. 19 February 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ a b Mills, Laura (14 December 2016). "Tumahai takes Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu reins". NZ Herald. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ a b Wikaire-Lewis, Mana (15 November 2023). "Lisa Tumahai steps down as Ngāi Tahu chair, calls on next generation to step up". NZ Herald. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ "Lisa Tumahai re-elected Kaiwhakahaere". ngaitahu.iwi.nz. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ "Lisa Tumahai steps down as Ngāi Tahu chair calls on next generation to step up". Te Ao Māori News. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ O'Callaghan, Jody (23 November 2023). "Ngāi Tahu leader's 'tank is dry' as she hands over the reins". www.stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ "Lisa Tumahai | University of Canterbury". www.canterbury.ac.nz. 8 March 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ "Inside iwi governance with Lisa Tumahai | IoD NZ". The Institute of Directors. 28 April 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ "Our Board and Chief Executive". www.climatecommission.govt.nz. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ "Revealed: NZ's new climate change commissioners". NZ Herald. 18 December 2019. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
External links
edit- Interview on TahuFM, 23 Feb 2023
- Lisa Tumahai speaks at TePapa: EveryChild Counts, 8 June 2012