Dr Pouroto Ngaropo
Dr. Ngaropo is a distinguished leader representing numerous iwi. He is a Tohunga, Māngai, and cultural leader, fluent in te reo Māori and English, dedicated to the revival of te reo Māori. For over 30 years, he has advanced cultural competency across sectors and served as a senior judge at Te Matatini for 17 years. His academic background includes degrees in Māori Media, Te Reo Māori, and Māori Studies from AUT and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, where he is also a member of Te Toi Aparangi.
Dr. Ngaropo has held senior executive roles, including at Awanuiārangi, and contributed to governance as a Ngāti Awa Treaty Negotiation team member and Whakatāne District Councilor. He is internationally recognised for his advocacy of te reo Māori and tikanga, including his involvement in the Te Māori Exhibition in the U.S. His leadership preserves and promotes Māori cultural heritage across Aotearoa.
Advisor to Council: Dr Pouroto Ngaropo
Qualifications: MNZM, JP, D.MM (Hon. Causa), MMS, BMS, Dip Tchng
Iwi: Ngāti Awa, Te Kōtahi ō Te Awa o Te Atua, Tūhourangi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pūkenga, Maniapoto, Tainui, Te Arawa, Ngāti Hauā, Hauraki, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāti Whātua, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Waitaha, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Hauā.