Hara Adams has moved to Marlborough to take up a 'heavy' position with the council as the new kaihautū, manager of Māori partnerships.
Hara Adams is the council's new kaihautū, helping to strengthen the relationship between iwi and council. Photo: LDR / Maia Hart
Adams is a former advisor to the Ngāi Tahu Fund.
"The position, I know it's heavy, and it definitely comes with its challenges," Adams said.
"I guess it's an appropriate next step [for me], and I just see the positives that could come out of this role for everybody ... council, iwi, and the wider community."
Adams's role was designed to facilitate partnerships with iwi and "promote collaborative and positive engagement" with Māori to effectively deliver council services.
Adams, of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Muaūpoko, Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Toa Rangitira and Ngāi Tahu descent, would also support Māori in decision-making and help council, councillors and staff work in partnership with iwi.
"I'm looking forward to meeting everybody and making connections with people and seeing everybody face-to-face," she said.
"Taking the role hasn't been about me. I just really want to see organisations like council and the like, have more cultural awareness and I think we're at a time when that's what councils and organisations are wanting.
"My welcome has been really warm at the council. It's a sign of the times, where the partnership with Māori is proving to be beneficial for everybody involved."
The position meant she would provide strategic advice and guidance on iwi engagement and Māori cultural matters. She would also facilitate civic and ceremonial events to ensure tikanga Māori was appropriately incorporated into the council's event planning.
Hara, born and raised in Ōtaki, had many years of experience working with iwi and rōpū Māori and was competent in te reo Māori me ōna Tikanga (language and cultural practices).
Her role with Ngāi Tahu involved working directly with whānau and iwi to successfully manage the delivery of programmes that supported the development of Ngāi Tahu.
"The kaihautū role is a great example of how our people can be involved in shaping ways in which organisations engage and partner with iwi and Māori.
"I am looking forward to enhancing space for iwi to be involved in decision-making, regarding issues that affect them."
Marlborough District Council chief executive Mark Wheeler said central government reforms included enhanced roles for iwi, to enable them to contribute at council governance level.
Marlborough District Council chief executive Mark Wheeler is welcoming Hara Adams's appointment. Photo: LDR / Chloe Ranford
"The kaihautū will help with that," Wheeler said.
"The new role is part of council's commitment to strengthening its partnership and level of engagement with tangata whenua iwi and developing working relationships and trust.
"It's very important council builds on its relationships with iwi and that councillors and staff are supported to work more effectively with iwi in Wairau and across Te Tauihu."
Wheeler said the addition of a Māori ward councillor at this year's local election would also help to raise the council's capacity to work in partnership with Māori.
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