A mihi whakatau (welcome) was held at the Martinborough Town Hall on 6 October for Leanne Karauna, South Wairarapa District Council’s new Principal Advisor – Māori – Pou Māori.

Leanne is joining us from Mangakino but her connections to the Wairarapa, and in particular her whakapapa to Ngāti Hinewaka me ona Hapū Karanga, are strong.

She bridges the two rohe (districts) of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa who in 1896 gifted Lakes Wairarapa and Ōnoke to the Crown, receiving land in Waikato Pouakani in return.

At the ceremony, many members of Leanne’s whānau in Waikato and locally were present as she was welcomed to the district by John McGregor (Ngāti Hikawera), followed by Chief Executive Harry Wilson and Mayor Alex Beijen.

Leanne will be our key contact person with local iwi, hapū and mana whenua, and bring to us a te ao Māori view.

Nau mai hoki mai, Leanne and whānau.