Pou Herenga: Seeking nominations

22 May 2026

The impacts of climate change are already being felt across Aotearoa, including by whānau, hapū, and iwi. The choices we make now will shape the wellbeing of current and future generations.

To help He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission ensure te ao Māori and mātauranga Māori inform, shape and guide our work, we are seeking nominations for members of the Pou Herenga, an internal advisory body that supports the Commission’s Board.

Te Tūranga | The role

Herenga means to lash or bind together. Pou Herenga is the binding together of individual experts to provide the Commission with the expertise and support required to give effect to its legislative requirement to have knowledge in Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi, and te ao Māori (te reo, mātauranga, and the Māori Economy). 

Pou members support the Commission's Board and Chief Executive by sharing key insights and perspectives from te ao Māori to help inform the Commission’s work. Pou Herenga is an independent advisory body and may be required to provide strategic insight/advice on specific issues from the Commission’s broader work programme where there is a direct requirement to have te ao Māori and/or Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi specific input, or any areas of advice that may have specific effects on Iwi/Māori.

He kōrero mōu | About you

We are seeking people who are motivated to contribute to a better future for Māori in the face of climate change.

You may bring:

• knowledge of Te Ao Māori and/or Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• experience in climate-related kaupapa, including policy, science, communities, or Māori economic development
• strong connections to iwi, hapū, or communities
• the ability to provide independent, strategic insight.

We welcome a diverse range of whakaaro, experiences, and backgrounds. Please note that members are appointed for their individual expertise and contributions, rather than as representatives of specific organisations.

The Pou Herenga skills matrix is attached for your reference of the skillsets we are looking to capture in the membership of this group.

Pou Herenga Skills Matrix 2026 [XLSX, 47.5 KB]

Whakapā mai | Get in touch

Read more and make a nomination here

We encourage nominations from across Aotearoa and from a wide range of experiences and perspectives. 

If you are interested, we invite you to put forward a nomination. Nominations close at 5pm on Sunday 7 June 2026.

For any queries, please email PouHerengaSupport@climatecommission.govt.nz.