Shining a light on Wairoa and working for the community are two of the cornerstones behind Council’s Group Manager of Information and Customer Experience Kimberley Tuapawa being recognised at a national level.

Dr Tuapawa was one of two New Zealand Society of Local Government Managers (SOLGM) to receive the national award.

Award recipients were required to outline how Māori can participate in, and contribute to the development of the community.

Dr Tuapawa said being of Māori descent, and raised as part of the Wairoa Community of which 59% are Māori, she has an innate interest, commitment and responsibility to support local Māori participation and involvement in the development of her people and district.

“Māori must be provided with opportunities to be engaged and consulted with, to have a voice and to be heard across a range of fora.

“These include platforms which develop policy and inform decision-making across governance and service delivery areas in support of building the economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeings of our people, community and district.

“It was humbling to be able to represent Council in this way, and lovely to be able to share it with our people.”

“I’m big on anything that shines a light on our town. It’s another chance to say, ‘this is what we do in Wairoa, this is what we’re about’.

“My role at Council is to lead a large and diverse team of staff to achieve the best outcomes for the people of our town and district.

“We work hard, aim high, and serve our community to the best of our ability.

The distinguished academic took up the position late year and is thriving on the opportunity to support the people of her hometown. “It’s an honour to be back at Council working alongside a great team to serve the people and community that I love.”

Dr Tuapawa praised Council Chief Executive Steven May saying the support he provides to Council staff gives them the confidence to compete on the national stage.

Mr May was thrilled at Dr. Tuapawa’s success and her passion for celebrating Wairoa.

“This award recognises Kimberley’s commitment to her hometown. She is a visible leader, and will inspire many people to be the best they can be.

“The fact our management are being recognised at a national level endorses the fact we are working in the right direction.

The award will pay for Dr Tuapawa’s registration to attend the BERL sponsored SOLGM Summit in Napier at the end of September.

22 July 2019

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