Key cultural appointment to Families Commission

The Families Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Hohepa Patea (Ngā Paerangi/Ngāti Porou) as Kaihono to the Families Commission.

Chief Executive, Paul Curry, said the Commission was delighted to welcome Mr Patea. He said, “The Kaihono has a key role in the Commission’s work programme. We have a very strong whānau rangatiratanga programme, with a focus on whānau success and it’s been an important priority to build our capacity and capability in this area.”

Mr Curry said the skills and background Mr Patea brings to the Commission will be invaluable in a leadership role. “He has already begun to establish a strong rapport with staff and his inclusive approach has been well received.”

Mr Patea combines a wealth of management experience with a strong commitment to Māori philosophy.

Mr Patea is always reminded of the Māori proverb, “He whakairo ahau e mahue mai i ōku tipuna”; I am a living carving left by my ancestors to take form and learn from. These words resonate the importance of learning, preserving and applying kaupapa Māori values, beliefs and practices, because the solutions for whānau wellbeing are within our models. If we can harness this knowledge and apply its principles, then we can positively influence whānau and families across all of Aotearoa.”

Mr Patea also said, “The Families Commission’s whānau rangatiratanga programme is about empowering whānau so that they can determine their own aspirations for their whānau”.

Dr Kathie Irwin, the Commission’s Chief Advisor, Māori, said “We are very happy to have Hohepa on board and he will be invaluable as we engage with whānau in the coming months.”

A series of open wānanga is set to take place around the country to discuss He Ara Whakamua: Pathways to the Future together.