Waihōpai Rūnaka appoints new mana whenua representative to Council

A new face will soon join the Invercargill City Council, with Waihōpai Rūnaka officially appointing Mike Bain as its mana whenua representative for the triennium.

Bain’s first order of business as the new mana whenua representative for Waihōpai would be to attend Tuesday’s Council meeting, where he would be officially sworn in.

As Pou Manawhenua – Waihōpai, he would be appointed to the Water, Infrastructure and Growth, and Community and Regulatory committees. He would also have speaking rights at full Council meetings.

Bain (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha) had a breadth of experience across the motor trade, education, and legal sectors, and also represented the rūnaka on a number of community-based komiti, including on the Te Unua Iwi Advisory Group.

“I am really pleased to be able to step forward and serve not only Waihōpai whānau, but the wider community, within the local government sector. This role allows me to make a positive contribution to our city – particularly in advocating for local issues in important kaupapa, such as water infrastructure and the potential realignment of governance structures within Murihiku,” he said.

He replaced Reverend Evelyn Cook, who stepped down from her role as Māngai – Waihōpai Rūnaka following local government elections in October last year.

“I consider it a privilege to follow on from Whaea Evelyn’s mahi, and hope to apply the same commitment to this role as she did. Building on her strong voice, I’m looking forward to continuing the proactive and supportive presence of Waihōpai at Council,” Bain said.

Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell said elected members looked forward to welcoming Bain to represent his rūnaka during the Council term ahead.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to continue our meaningful partnership with Waihōpai whānau, and look forward to working alongside Mike in his role,” he said.

“There are a significant number of issues, such as the nationwide reform of three waters services and changes to resource management throughout the motu, that will have a tangible impact on our community for years to come. It is critical that we engage with our entire community during this process, to ensure everybody’s perspectives are carefully considered.

“Invercargill and Bluff are also rich with exciting opportunities ahead in the near future, including the completion of Te Unua Museum of Southland, and our partnership with mana whenua representatives play a key role in ensuring our shared cultural and social histories are celebrated.”

Invercargill City Council Chief Executive Michael Day said two mana whenua representative positions – one each from Te Rūnaka o Awarua and Waihōpai Rūnaka – were first established in 2021.

“The perspectives of our mana whenua representatives are valued within the decision-making process of Council, and offer Māori within our rohe an opportunity to ensure their voices are heard,” he said.

“We are committed to our partnership with mana whenua, and I know Mike’s voice will be respected by his new colleagues around the Council table.”

Pania Coote served as Kaikaunihera Māori – Te Rūnaka o Awarua during the 2021 – 2025 term.

At Tuesday’s Council meeting, elected members would resolve to either place the mana whenua representative seat created for Te Rūnaka o Awarua into abeyance for the 2025 – 2028 term, or revoke it.