The Monday Q&A: New leadership role for Whanganui's Nancy Tuaine

Nancy Tuaine says her new role with Ngā Tāngata Tiaki is a mammoth task. Photo / supplied

Every Monday the Chronicle fires 10 questions at a Whanganui local. Today we hear from Nancy Tuaine, the new kaihautū/chief executive of Ngā Tāngata Tiaki.

What are your tribal links to this place?

Kō Te Atihaunui a Paparangi me Ngāti Rangi ngā Iwi o tōku Pāpā, ko Ngāti Uenuku, Ngāti Ruru me Ngāti Kurawhatia ngā hapū.
My links to this place are derived through the whakapapa of my father, to the mountain and rivers.

How were you mentored for your iwi roles?

Since my teens I have been fortunate to have jobs with some of the most hardworking leaders of our iwi - Brendon Puketapu, Tariana Turia, Sam Bishara, the late George Turia and the late Sir Archie Taiaroa.

What roles have you had with Whanganui iwi, and with Māori issues nationally?

I gained my first management role for the iwi in the early 2000s at the Whanganui River Māori Trust Board. I have also been CEO at Te Oranganui and the regional director for Te Puni Kōkiri, returning recently to be CEO of Ngā Tāngata Tiaki. I have held roles nationally in Whānau Ora and water.

How long did you spend living in Wellington and what was that like?

I spent just under three years in Wellington as a chief advisor for the Ministry of Māori Development. It was a great opportunity to learn the machinery of government and interact across government departments to champion the wellbeing for iwi Māori.

What does your household and extended family consist of now?

At the moment there are eight, sometimes nine, in our home including my five beautiful mokopuna. Our collective living is part of who we are - an intergenerational transmission of love and learning.

How do you feel about being chief executive for Ngā Tāngata Tiaki?

It is a mammoth task, but I am excited to be focused on the next phase of development with our people and for our awa.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have a whole day off?

It's pretty rare these days with five mokopuna to keep me busy. But I love riding my bike, enjoying good kai and good company.

What's your favourite meal, or favourite thing to cook?

My favourite meals when in season are titi [muttonbirds] or whitebait and my favourite dessert is sago.

What else can you tell people about yourself that will surprise them?

One of my favourite pastimes used to be on the sideline watching touch rugby. I was a New Zealand selector for about 10 years and loved it.