Māori governance across the generations: Elizabeth Cunningham & Tāmati Cunningham

Overview

Join us for an evening of reflection and inspiration as Elizabeth Cunningham KSO, JP and her grandson Tāmati Cunningham share the lessons learned through their personal journeys in governance.

Elizabeth (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Irakehu, Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri) brings many years of leadership across health, environment, education, and iwi development. A trailblazer in Māori governance, she has held numerous governance roles, including Commissioner for Environment Canterbury, a representative of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, and chair of multiple regional and iwi-led initiatives. Her impact spans intergenerational wellbeing, climate change, and community recovery – most notably through her mahi following the Canterbury earthquakes.

Tāmati (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Irakehu, Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri) offers a next-generation perspective on leadership, identity, and service. Together, their kōrero will highlight the power of legacy, the importance of cultural grounding, and the evolving face of Māori governance.