Rangatahi the newest member of Maniapoto iwi board

Monday, 24 May 2021

A Māori trust board in Te Rohe Pōtae (King Country) has voted one of their rangatahi onto the board who’s main function is to administer the iwi and or hapū assets.

The Maniapoto Māori Trusts Board has a new and young elected trustee to their board Luke Moss from the marae of Te Piruru (Te Pirurutanga-o-ngā-uri-a-Puku) near Te Kūiti.

Luke Moss of Ngāti Maniapoto has ambitions of getting te reo Māori me ōna tikanga back into the lives of Maniapoto people which for many they can’t speak basic te reo Māori.

Currently, finishing his masters in Māori and indigenous studies, Moss is hopeful that this new appointment will allow him to make an impact for good within his community.

“I got a call on Friday saying I had made the cut after throwing my name in the hat,” Moss says after finding out he had just become the newest member of the Maniapoto Māori Trust Board.

“I think there’s not enough rangatahi in these positions where decisions are being made for our iwi, so hopefully I can combat that with my new position on the board.”

Moss acknowledges the role model that he has become and hopes he can continue to inspire rangatahi to aspire to leadership positions within government spaces.

He says they need to see more young Māori faces in these positions in order to be interested.

“If our voice is heard early, then when we make it to those spaces, we can carry on that voice.'

The official results confirmed, six trustees elected for the Maniapoto Māori Trust Board.

• Keith Ikin

• Bella Takiari-Brame

• Rachael Tūwhangai

• Dan Te Kanawa

• Luke Moss

• Wikitōria Tāne

The voter return percentage was 22.22 per cent, being 3077 votes received from 13,848 eligible electors, of which 42.80 per cent voted by post and 57.20 per cent voted online.

This story first appeared on Te Ao – Māori News and has been republished on Stuff with permission.