David Rameka is no stranger to local government and no stranger to Taupō. With a surname like Rameka it’s no surprise that our new Strategic Relationships Manager was born and bred here, and after a number of years living and working away from the district, he is happy and excited to be back home.
“Part of my role within Council is to support engagement and building or consolidating relationships with iwi, hapu, marae, and the Māori community. In the short time I’ve been home, I’ve noticed there’s lots of activity happening, so it’s an exciting time to be in this role,” he says. “I’m keen to ascertain how my role - and working alongside my colleagues - can contribute to positive outcomes for the wider Taupō community.”
“Another aspect of my role includes working with and supporting my Council colleagues in liaising and engaging with iwi, hapu, marae and Māori across a range of issues impacting on those communities – so that it becomes business as usual, and a priority for us.”
After finishing his schooling in Taupō, David attended Waikato University, and then his first work role was as a social worker here. He’s also worked in various roles across the Māori Health sector, for an iwi organisation, as an advisor for the Lottery Grants Board, in local government in Auckland with their Māori Strategy and Governance team, and then with the Southern Initiative, which focussed on enabling transformation across South Auckland.
Part of his Southern Initiative role included leading engagement and relationship development with the 12 iwi entities that indicated they have interests across South Auckland, and he’s looking to utilise the learnings, networks and experience gleaned from his previous roles in his current role with Taupō District Council.
“The call of home has become stronger for me as I’ve gotten older, it’s where I grew up. I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to live and work back home after being away for a long time, and I’m looking forward to contributing where I can.”