Acknowledging the passing of Dr Ian Ruru

Te Ohu Kaimoana wishes to acknowledge the passing of Dr Ian Ruru (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tai, Te Whakatōhea, Rongowhakaata). Ian served faithfully on the Board of Te Wai Māori Trust as an Alternate Director since 2019; was a member of Te Mana ongā Tuna rōpū and had also previously worked for Te Ohu Kaimoana as a stock assessment scientist.

Ian was a renowned leader, advocate and expert on tuna, having been inspired and taught by his late father Bill. Ian and Bill delivered hundreds of wānanga together to over 300 marae across Aotearoa, imparting their deep knowledge of mātauranga Māori, customary fishing and aquaculture among many practitioners and enthusiasts.

He was integral and well known for his leading role in the development of the Mauri Compass tool, which helps to assist kaitiaki with the restoration of mauri to ancestral rivers; enabling the health and wellbeing of indigenous freshwater species.

Ian was an exceptionally well respected and regarded figure in Te Tairāwhiti and across te Ao Māori through governance roles, involvement and leadership the science community, roles in government, and exemplary and visionary impact in the freshwater space.

Ian will be missed tremendously, and leaves an incredible and enduring legacy. We extend our deepest sympathies and love to the Ruru and Shivnan whānau at this time.

Moe mai rā e te Rangatira.