‘Resolute in his service to iwi and Māori fishing rights’ – An acknowledgement of service to Dion Tuuta

Te Ohu Kaimoana wishes to congratulate and acknowledge the service of our Deputy Chair and Director Dion Tuuta who has been successfully appointed the new Secretary for Māori Development and Chief Executive of Te Puni Kōkiri (the Ministry for Māori Development).

Tuuta has had a long affiliation with Te Ohu Kaimoana, having previously served as the Chief Executive from 2016 to 2020, before returning home to serve as the Chief Executive of Te Kotahitanga o Te Ātiawa, and more recently as interim Chief Executive of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga. He returned to Te Ohu Kaimoana as a director in December of 2023 and was appointed Deputy Chair in March of 2024. He also served as acting Chair during a large portion of 2025.

“Dion has made a significant contribution to our Board and wider Kāhui through a period of considerable change and challenge. His depth of knowledge, strategic leadership and ability to navigate complexity has been instrumental for our Board over the past three-years.,” said Chair Pahia Turia.

“What has always stood out about Dion is his ability to consistently provide thoughtful leadership, strong values and a deep sense of responsibility to his governance roles. While we will miss his contribution to Te Ohu Kaimoana, we know his appointment is a significant gain for Māori and for the public service.”

Throughout his service, Dion has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to our people, to protecting and advancing the mana of the Māori fisheries settlement, and to upholding the rights guaranteed through the settlement.

Dion will conclude his role as Deputy Chair and Director at the end of June. On behalf of Te Ohu Kaimoana and our wider kāhui thank Dion for his contribution and wish him, his wife Rose, and their whānau well on this next chapter together.