Nominations are now open for mātāwaka to stand for Houkura, the Independent Māori Statutory Board.
If you are mātāwaka and want to contribute to the economic, cultural, social and environmental wellbeing of Māori in Auckland, you are encouraged to put yourself forward or nominate someone you trust. If you are mātāwaka and have views you would like considered during the selection process, you are encouraged to submit those views so they can be taken into account.
About Houkura
Houkura was established in 2010 under the Local Government Act 2009. Its role is to promote issues of significance for Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau and to ensure Auckland Council:
- takes Māori views and priorities into account in its decision making, and
- acts in accordance with legislative obligations relating to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The board has nine members: seven from mana whenua groups and two appointed as mātāwaka representatives. Members serve three-year terms and are confirmed and appointed by a selection body established by the Minister for Māori Development.
Who are Mātāwaka?
Under the Act, mātāwaka are Māori who live in the Auckland region but are not in a mana whenua group.
This means a nominee may whakapapa to any iwi or hapū across the motu. They may even whakapapa to a mana whenua group in Tāmaki Makaurau but, as long as they do not identify with or affiliate to a mana whenua group, they are eligible as mātāwaka.
Eligibility and skills
The Selection Body is seeking mātāwaka nominees for appointment. Desirable skills and attributes include:
- Knowledge of and expertise in te reo, tikanga, and mātauranga Māori
- Knowledge of the geographic and socio-political makeup of the whole Tāmaki Makaurau rohe
- Knowledge and expertise in areas relevant to local government, such as resource management, planning, transport, finance or public policy
- Strong networks and established relationships within mātāwaka and central and local government spheres
- Being acknowledged as leaders within their own community.
How to apply
Nominations and supporting information, and any views that mātāwaka would like taken into account during the selection process, must be submitted no later than 5pm on Friday 26 September 2025.
Nomination forms and further details about the selection process are available at selectionbody.nz, or by emailing patai@selectionbody.nz
