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Photo: Matthew Tukaki Facebook.
Download AudioThe director of Māori partnership at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise says he’s putting ousted Ngāti Kahungunu chair Ngahiwi Tomoana on speed dial.
Mr Tomoana was unseated after 26 years in the role by Bayden Barber, a farmer and Hastings District councillor.
Dale Stephens says Mr Tomoana has made an enormous contribution not just to his iwi but to Māori economic development.
“Ngahiwi has been a trailblazer or not just Ngāti Kahungunu but for Māori across the country, internationally with trade for many years. I don’t see his work in that area falling away, but I want to take the chance to recognise the contribution the man has made for all of us,” he says.
Ngahiwi Tomoana got 1787 votes to Bayden Barber’s 2273.
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