Mr Puhirake Ihaka, ONZM, of Tauranga, for services to Māori and governance
Puhirake Ihaka (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa) is a long-standing leader of Ngāi te Rangi iwi, Ngāti Tapu hapu, and Waikari Marae. He undertook extensive research in the preparation of the Ngāi te Rangi Waitangi Tribunal Treaty claims and provided leadership throughout negotiations. He was appointed to the Ngāi te Rangi Settlement Trust and the Ngāi te Rangi Fisheries Trust, managing post-treaty settlement resources. He is a foundation member and independent Chair of the Tauranga City Council Tangata Whenua Collective. He was instrumental in the establishment of Te Pou Takawaenga, Tauranga City Council’s Māori Relationship Unit. Mr Ihaka is co-Chair of Otamataha Trust, a Director of Te Kawai Taumata National Fisheries Appointment Board, and a member of the Elms Foundation Board of Trustees.