Seeking to bridge the cultural divide
Tamihana also keen environmentalist
Justin Tamihana, one of two representatives for the Ma¯ori or Horowhenua Ward in Horowhenua District Council, is passionate about community and would love to see the cultural divide between Ma¯ori and Pa¯keha¯ disappear.
“There is a cultural divide,” he said. “I know what it is like. It wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I woke up to the fact I was Ma¯ori and began to explore what that meant. It was all new to me too. Don’t be afraid of the Ma¯ ori stuff. Let’s celebrate our diversity.”
He said he started washing dishes and wiping tables at his local marae, picking up other duties on the way until, 18 years ago, he became chairman of Te Huia Marae.
“When I started there as chairman I wanted to fix everything right away. It took 18 years, but we are finally selfsustaining.”
At 21, he was volunteered by his aunty to get involved with a runanga fisheries committee, as he was already a keen fisherman. He’s been on the board for 20 years now.
He said the money the council spent on upgrading marae water services was a game changer.
“We had only bore water. Though it was clean and safe, it wasn’t enough. Now we have the capacity to store water, and that means in case of a fire, we have enough to fight it. I think the council recognised the importance of marae when it comes to community and civil emergencies and the need for good infrastructure to facilitate that role.”
Justin is familiar with farming practices, as he also farmed early in life and has operated heavy machinery, including big trucks, throughout the country.
“I saw over the years how bad the land and the environment were treated.”
Justin has been involved with local politics for a long time as a cultural adviser and has dealt with three mayors and two CEOs so far.
“I know how they operate and also how the community feels about them. There is a gap.”
He is part of the cultural team working on a number of expressways, including O¯ 2NL. He was a paper boy once and did barcoding at the local library. His dad’s a teacher; his mum worked in food and hospitality and also ran a costume shop from home. He has three younger brothers.
Justin is a dad to two boys and two girls and has nine grandchildren, three of whom he and his wife are
raising. At times, their home offers respite for kids involved with Oranga Tamariki.
He found the election campaign daunting: “I want to represent the community — that means everyone, not just a few.”
He respects kauma¯tua of all persuasions: “They influenced me throughout my life and I respect their guidance.”
He describes himself as a team player: “I am a very honest person too, and I am open to all conversations.”
“Relationships are key and you must be prepared to compromise. I would like to bridge the cultural gap and perceptions people may have.
“I want accountability and transparency
in council business. I think we need to ask if what is being proposed is something we really need or want.”
When it comes to waste minimisation, he will be looking for innovation, and that also goes for transportation. “I am not happy that our waste is going to go in someone else’s backyard. And actually, for Ma¯ori, Bonny Glen is our own backyard, as the local iwi are part of us.”
“The environment is my life. I want to be its champion.”
After a battle with health and weight, he is pretty healthy now and very active. He enjoys the outdoors: hiking, kayaking, fishing, diving. He enjoys rolling up his sleeves in the
community too — like as a worker bee at the local school. He also enjoys cooking, and can whip up a meal for a couple of hundred people at the marae in no time, he says.
“I am pretty happy right now. I am passionate about people and go out of my way to help.”
He said he has had a full, varied and interesting life which has made him the man he is today.
Initially, his election to the Horowhenua Ward seat shocked him. He knows he’ll be extra busy for the next three years, but said it is all about selfmanagement.
“I want to make Horowhenua proud and tell everyone I am approachable.”