Kaupapa Māori Team

The Kaupapa Māori Team is set up to support the Western Bay of Plenty District Council in its relationship with Tangata Whenua by improving the confidence and capability for both to engage with each other in an effective and valued way.

The team serves as a conduit to enhancing relationships, and improving Māori contributions within the Local-government decision-making process, and to assist in building capacity within council at both political and staff levels.

The team provides assistance to Māori to effectively integrate their culture and Matauranga Māori into the strategic planning and policy development functions of Council, especially those policies that involve Māori. The team is made up of the following Council staff members –

Rachael Davie General Manager Strategy & Community, Deputy CEO

Chris Nepia Strategic Kaupapa Māori Manager

Ben Wilson Kaiārahi Hōnonga (Te Arawa)

Ben Urbanc Kaiārahi Hōnonga (Tauranga Moana)

Corey Stevens Kaimahere Matua

Chaquan Nepia Kaipaetahi Kaupapa Māori

Julie Waaka Āpiha Whenua Māori