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The new chair of Taitokerau District Māori Council is walking in some big footsteps.
Lawyer Wiremu Puriri was elected to hold the post once held by the late Sir Graham Latimer, ending a period in which the northern district has been at odds with the national body.
Mr Puriri was secretary of the Taitokerau Māori Trust Board and the District Māori Council from 1988 and 1992.
He went on to serve on district and regional councils and the University of Auckland Council, as well as build up his criminal law practice in Northland courtrooms.
He says he learned a huge amount during those years with Sir Graham, and that association was one reason he was asked to help with the council’s revival.
"I owe everything in terms of governance and a range of skill sets I have to him apart from my initial formative years, and in those times I have to acknowledge my parents," Mr Puriri says.
He’s not there just for talk, and there is a huge amount the council has to contribute.
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