After 15 years advocating cultural awareness and working on community programmes in Australia Wairoa-born David Tipoki is set to return home to take up the role of Maori relationships manager with the Wairoa District Council.
The appointment was announced yesterday by the council's chief executive officer Fergus Power and Mr Tipoki will begin the position on September 1.
"David brings a wealth of experience in dealing with both businesses and communities," Mr Power said.
The main focus of his role will be to provide the council and its Maori Standing Committee with ongoing advice on Maori policy and development issues.
Mr Tipoki has more than 30 years of experience in the cultural, community and also entertainment sectors and is currently working for the Transit Australia group of companies.
He has presented Maori cultural shows for various art council groups across Australia and has served on several community initiatives including the Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Service.
The son of Turi and Waka Tipoki, Mr Tipoki said he infused the traditional values he was born and raised with into the work he had been doing which involved taking a broad view of issues faced by Maori living in the modern world. He said he was looking forward to returning to Wairoa.