A group of Te Taumutu Runanga representatives with Mayor Lydia Gliddon in front of the Council Rolleston headquarters

The Council has voted to appoint a representative of Te Taumutu Rūnanga to the Council, bringing continued strength to how intergenerational perspectives are reflected in local decision making.

The role brings mātauranga (knowledge), cultural values and environmental expertise directly into Council and committee discussions, supporting more informed and inclusive decisions for the Selwyn district.

Mayor Lydia Gliddon says the appointment reinforces the Council’s commitment to working in partnership and builds on the positive contribution made by previous Te Taumutu Rūnanga representative, Megen McKay.

“Megen McKay’s role at the Council table was valuable in bringing mana whenua perspectives into our discussions, particularly on issues affecting land, water and long-term intergenerational vision,” Mayor Gliddon says.

“We’ve seen the benefit of having that voice in the room, and this appointment strengthens the way Council and Te Taumutu Rūnanga work together, ensuring those perspectives continue to be part of conversations at the Council table. It supports better decision making and a long-term approach to caring for our communities and environment.”

Te Taumutu Rūnanga Chair Puamiria Parata-Goodall has welcomed the council’s continued support for mana whenua representation.

“We’re pleased to continue working in partnership together. Having our voice at the Council table strengthens our relationship and helps us to advocate for our whānau and communities.

“We all want the same things for our district - good health, strong education outcomes, and real progress in housing and economic development. None of us can achieve that alone, but when we sit at the table together, we can make good decisions for future generations.”

The representative will have speaking rights at Council meetings and full membership on relevant Council committees but will not have voting rights on Council decisions.

The position also supports the requirement under the Local Government Act 2002 for councils to establish, maintain, and provide opportunities for Māori, particularly mana whenua, to contribute to decision-making processes.

It will be funded through Better Off Funding until June 2026. From that point, remuneration will be met from general rates and paid on a pro rata basis, aligned with the councillor remuneration framework.

Te Taumutu Rūnanga will now begin its selection process before nominating a representative. Once a nomination is received, Council will confirm the appointment through a formal Council resolution, consistent with local government requirements.

“About 30,000 Ngāi Tahu whānau are registered with Te Taumutu Rūnanga, so we have a large pool of talented and skilled people to draw on. We’re looking for the right person who will be a strong voice for our hapū, Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki, and who will also bring their expertise to the Council in a positive and collaborative way, just as Megen did last term,” Mrs Parata-Goodall explains.

The Council will continue to work alongside Te Taumutu Rūnanga under the principles set out in their Relationship Agreement and will progress its relationships with mana whenua across the district.

Last modified: 12 Mar 2026 8:56am