Governance updates - Pahia Turia reappointed Chair and Maru Samuels appointed Deputy Chair of Te Ohu Kaimoana

The Board of Te Ohu Kaimoana is proud to announce it has re-elected Pahia Turia as Tumu Whakarae (Chair) for another term, and has appointed Maru Samuels as the Tumu Whakarae Tuarā (Deputy Chair); succeeding former director Dion Tuuta in the role.

Pahia has served the Board since July of 2018, was appointed as Deputy Chair in November of 2021 and has served as the Chair of Te Ohu Kaimoana since August of 2023.

Maru has served the Board since February of 2020, starting as an Alternate Director before becoming a Director in 2026, and prior to this, has held long ties to the organisation having previously worked for Te Ohu Kaimoana as kaimahi from 2005 to 2011.

Both Pahia and Maru have been central to and involved in a number of historic milestones for Te Ohu Kaimoana over the past 6-8 years, including the withdrawal of the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Proposal, our landmark 28N rights High Court ruling and more recently navigating the pathway forward as a result of the Māori Fisheries Amendment Act 2024.

The appointments come at an important time, where the experience of both directors can help shape the strategic direction for the organisation over the next three-years; ensuring the Māori Fisheries Settlement continues to strengthen for generations to come.