Māori Partnership Committee
The purpose of the Māori Partnership Committee is to advocate on behalf of and in the best interests of tāngata whenua in the District (including the descendants of hapū of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Rangitāne o Wairarapa) and to ensure that the Council is fulfilling its obligations to them.
The Māori Partnership Committee is comprised of two representatives from each of the three South Wairarapa marae, two representatives from Pae Tū Mokai o Tauira, one representative from each of the two Wairarapa Iwi, two councillors, and the mayor.
Pictured left to right are Gillies Baker – Papawai Marae (Chair), Denise Riwai – Kohunui Marae, Cr Andrea Rutene, JD Smith – Hau Ariki Marae, Karen Mikaera – Pae tū Mōkai o Tauira, Mark Fenwick – Pae tū Mōkai o Tauira (Deputy Chair), Mayor Fran Wilde, Whitu Karauna – Hau Ariki Marae.
Absent – Cr Simone Baker, Dottie Whittaker – Rangitāne o Wairarapa Iwi, Memory Te Whaiti – Kohunui Marae.
One appointment from Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi remains.
Correspondence may be directed to Principal Advisor, Pou Māori (narida.hooper@swdc.govt.nz) or the committees governance advisor (shanin.brider@swdc.govt.nz).
Māori Partnership Committee Funding
The next funding round of the committee will open 30 March 2026 and close on 17 May 2026. There is currently $29,017 available for allocation to community groups and organisations in this round.
Decisions for these funding applications will be made at the committees 2 June 2026 meeting. Applicants are encouraged to come and meet with the committee on this date to speak to their applications.
Applications should align with at least one of the committees four pou – Tautoko, Te Taiao, Whakapapa, and Marae Wawata. Applications must also be aligned with Council’s Grants Policy. Application forms will be available here when the funding round opens. If you need any further information or have questions, please get in touch with shanin.brider@swdc.govt.nz, or call Shanin via (06) 306 9611.
The following funding round will open 17 September and close 25 October 2026. Availability of funding in this round will be made available following Council’s adoption of the 2026-2027 Annual Plan.