Ōkūrei Māori Constituency Candidates

My principal place of residence is in the Ōkurei Māori Constituency area. 

No Rotorua ahau, he uri no Te Arawa me Tainui. I bring a strong background in education, business and governance at local and national levels. I speak up on issues that matter and believe in a community working together to protect our taonga and shape our future. 

My mahi in the last eight years has been in the taiao space - safeguarding whenua and lakes from biosecurity threats while supporting iwi and community to fulfil our kaitiaki responsibilities. 

Decisions about our land and water must reflect local knowledge, not made by distant entities. With limited resources, collaboration is key - engaging iwi and communities, coordinating action, and achieving shared goals. 

These are the issues that motivate me in seeking to be a councillor, I respectfully ask for your vote and support. 

Tiaki wai, manaaki whenua, manaaki tangata - Caring for our land and water, protecting the environment for our mokopuna. 

My principal place of residence is in the Ōkurei Māori Constituency area. 

Ko Te Arawa, Tainui, Mataatua, Tuwharetoa, Hououta ngā Piringa o te manawa. 

Ko Allan Iwi Te Whau Jr tōku ingoa. 

Known in the Bay of Plenty as Iwi, I'm honored to stand for the Ōkurei seat, deeply connected throughout the Bay of Plenty. My dedication to community is rooted in promoting cultural safety, health, sports, recreation, and environmental responsibility (Te Taiao, Te Manawa o te Wai). My approach is community-driven and people-led. A vote for me is not just a mark on a ballot, but a commitment to holding me accountable in our shared journey for positive change. Let's strengthen our communities together. Mauri ora. 

My principal place of residence is in the Ōkurei Māori Constituency area. 

Te Taru White: BSc. Earth Sciences Waikato Uni; BSc. (Hons) Geology, Victoria Uni; Master of Business Administration (MBA), Waikato Uni. 

Tribal Affiliations – Te Arawa (Ngāti Pikiao/ Ngāti Mākino); Tainui (Ngāti Mahanga) 

Ngāti Porou (Te Whānau-ā-Ruataupare / Te Whānau-ā-Hinetāpora). 

Highly qualified candidate with 40 years’ experience in a wide range of professions from scientific research, change management, human resource management and Indigenous socio-economic development nationally and internationally. Includes 35 years of Governance experience on Māori Land Trusts and Incorporations, Māori community enterprises and mainstream Governance Institutions.

The change from science and engineering to socio-economic and cultural pursuits, was life changing. It brought him closer to his people and their needs. He has no regrets and acknowledges the challenges that confront Te Tiriti. He has and will continue to use his skills and experience to confront these challenges to make a positive difference for our people, culture and place.