Waipā District Council has today welcomed Ngira Simmonds (Ngāti Huri, Raukawa) as the organisation’s new Kaihautū – Strategic Māori Partnerships Director.
Chief Executive Steph O’Sullivan said Ngira’s appointment is a milestone for Council and for the district.
“We are thrilled to have Ngira join our Executive Leadership Team. He brings a wealth of experience, a deep knowledge of te ao Māori, and a genuine commitment to building strong and enduring relationships between iwi, Council and our communities.”
Ngira has dedicated more than two decades to service in Māori, faith-based and public sector organisations. He most recently worked as Chief of Staff and Private Secretary to the Queen at Te Tari o te Kiingitanga, having also served her father, the late Kingi Tūheitia. He has held senior leadership roles with the Māori Anglican Church, serves on the Chief Ombudsman’s Advisory Board, and is currently completing his Master of Business Administration at the University of Waikato.
“Ngira is fluent in te reo Māori, steeped in tikanga, and passionate about partnerships that are based on trust, mutual respect and shared aspirations,” O’Sullivan said. “Those values are exactly what we want to see reflected in how Council works with mana whenua, and with our wider community.”
As Kaihautū, Ngira will play a key role in leading and strengthening Council’s partnerships with tangata whenua and helping to grow Council’s cultural capability.
“This role is about making sure Waipā is a place where tangata whenua and tangata tiriti walk side by side, shaping our future together,” O’Sullivan said. “We are very proud to welcome Ngira, and I know the community will join us in offering him a very warm Waipā welcome.”
