Celebrating Our Māori Ward Councillors
The past fortnight has brought a wave of change across our local councils. As new leaders step forward and others conclude their service, we take this moment to reflect on the journey, honour those who have served, and celebrate the future that lies ahead for our city and region.
We celebrate Whare Isaac-Sharland and Shyann Raihania, elected as the first Te Whanga Māori Ward Councillors.
Whare Isaac-Sharland’s leadership as a kaupapa Māori advocate, researcher, kura Māori supporter, and business leader brings wisdom, courage, and integrity to the Council. Her presence reflects a new era of Māori direction in local government — one grounded in whakapapa, mātauranga, and collective wellbeing.
Shyann Raihania, a trustee of Petane Marae, Rōpū ā Iwi Trust, Tu Tangata Maraenui, and Founding Director of Te Hiwa a Māhi, brings with her the voice of whānau, hapū, and rangatahi. Her election symbolises hope, inclusion, and the growing strength of Māori participation in civic life.
We also acknowledge Kirk Leonard, who stood as a candidate for the Te Whanga Māori Ward. His courage and conviction to uphold the mana of Māori representation strengthened the kaupapa and inspired others to step forward. As a trustee of both Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui ā Orotū and Timi Kara Marae, Kirk’s ongoing leadership continues to serve our people with integrity and vision.
Acknowledging Regional Leadership
We extend our deep appreciation to Hinewai Ormsby, Chair of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council — a leader of strength, wisdom, and whakapapa to Te Whanganui ā Orotū. Hinewai has exemplified the balance of kaitiakitanga and leadership through her stewardship of the region’s environmental and social wellbeing, particularly in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. Her leadership reminds us that governance grounded in whakapapa, wairua, and service shapes a better future for us all.
Honouring Our Outgoing Leaders
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Kirsten Wise for her outstanding leadership and service to the people of Ahuriri Napier. Throughout her tenure, she has shown unwavering commitment to building a city grounded in inclusion, fairness, and shared prosperity for all who call Napier home.
During her six years as Mayor and 12 years as a Councillor she has been a champion for Māori and embodied Tangata Tiriti leadership.
During her leadership and tenure, it is hard to overstate the progress she has championed inside and outside Council. She oversaw:
· the establishment of and chaired the inaugural Ngā Mānukanuka o te Iwi committee,
· the establishment of the Pou Whakarae role and the Te Waka Rangapū team,
· she oversaw a vote to establish Māori voting rights on Council standing committees,
· at each vote she supported the establishment of the city’s first Māori ward, the Te Whanga Māori Ward for this year’s 2025 elections
In the history of Napier, her leadership, record and tireless contribution to Māori relationships and our community is unparalleled. More than any other Mayor, she has championed outcomes for Māori. Kirsten, on behalf of the eight marae of Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui ā Orotū, thank you for being the leader our people were able to trust. Thank you for never giving up and for your immense contribution to our people and our city. your term will be remembered with mana by us all.
We also take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the outgoing councillors who have served Napier with dedication and vision. Chad Tareha has been a steadfast advocate for Māori community aspirations and Treaty-based partnership, helping to build the foundations for Māori representation within Council. Deputy Mayor Annette Brosnan leaves a legacy of values-led service and inclusive leadership, championing fairness and collaboration across the city. Maxine Boag, a long-standing advocate for tangata tiriti–based partnership, has worked tirelessly to elevate the voices of Maraenui and support mana whenua engagement in shaping the future of Māori Wards. Together, their contributions have strengthened the spirit of partnership that continues to guide Napier forward.
This election signals a turning point — a time for unity, vision, and shared responsibility. Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui ā Orotū looks forward to working alongside newly elected Mayor Richard Mcgrath, Deputy Mayor Sally Crown and the new Council to uphold the aspirations of our hapū and marae, and to ensure the principles of partnership and wellbeing continue to guide the path ahead.
Kia kotahi te hoe, kia ū ki te kaupapa, kia puāwai te hapori.
Together, let us move forward with purpose and hope.