Te Puni Kōkiri in Takitimu is able to draw upon the advice, expertise and experience of local kaumātua to contribute to realising Māori aspirations within the Takitimu rohe. He Roopu Pakeke works with Te Puni Kōkiri and comprises local kororua and kuia who are mainly retired professionals with generous life experience. “We recognise the invaluable contribution our roopu pakeke makes towards our strategic goal of Māori succeeding as Māori,” says Te Puni Kōkiri regional director Roger Aranui. “Our roopu pakeke is led by our local Ngāti Kahungunu rangatira, Tuahine (Joe) Northover, and we appreciate their leadership and advice,” he says.