Dr Taku Parai, of Porirua, ONZM for services to Māori, governance and the community
Dr Taku Parai (Ngāti Toa, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Tama) has chaired the Ngāti Toa Kaunihera Kaumatua and contributed to preservation of histories and genealogies, wananga waka and wananga reo. He chaired the Board of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, overseeing the Treaty settlement and the immediate post-settlement period. He chaired Porirua City Council’s Treaty Partnership Group and is Council Kaumatua and mana whenua representative. He has provided leadership on Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour and Catchment Joint Committee. He has organised regular pōwhiri and Māori culture teaching sessions. He is an advisor and kaumatua for Tu Ora Compass Health. Dr Parai has held advisory and committee roles with Women’s Refuge, Porirua RSA, the Royal New Zealand Police College, sports clubs and various primary and secondary schools.