Building Governance Capabilities in Te Tai o Poutini

Supported by funding from the Ministry of Social Development, Pokeka Ltd, and coordinated by Development West Coast, the three-session programme was held at the Māwhera Pounamu Pathway and facilitated by Jane Huria on behalf of Westlake Governance.

Grounded in kaupapa Māori principles, the programme was designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence participants need to navigate governance roles with integrity and impact. It provided practical tools, hands-on workshops, and the opportunity to strengthen networks through whanaungatanga.

For the cohort, the benefits were both personal and collective, building strategic thinking, effective decision-making, and collaborative leadership skills while fostering connections that will support their ongoing journeys.

Whether stepping into governance for the first time or refining existing experience, graduates left the programme better prepared to influence meaningful change for iwi, hapū, organisations, and communities across the Coast.

Back row – L-R: Raeana Ulupano, Hamiria Ngaamo, Chantal Tumahai, Holly Thorpe, Nathan Wilson-Loach, Rachael Forsyth, Jacob Manera, Dane Tumahai, Aleigha Ngaamo, Jane Huria (facilitator) and Paul Madgwick (Chair – Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio).

Front row – L-R: Te Rua Mason, Kathleen Scott Langi, Melanie Wilson and Lisa Tumahai (CEO – Pōkeka Poutini Ngāi Tahu).