On 30 April 2025, the New Zealand Health Group kaumātua Dr Taku Parai was invested as an Officer of The New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to Māori, governance and the community. The ceremony was held at Government House and overseen by Governor General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro.
Taku expressed the honour he felt to be recognised by Māori and the community for doing what he knows his ancestors expect of him, that is to be available to help and support when needed. Taku had his whānau in attendance to share in this celebration.
From left: Cherie Parai (daughter), Drea Tupene (moko), Isaiha Karepa (moko), Janaya Parai-Karepa (daughter), Ranei Wineera-Parai, Dr Taku Parai, Roena McCarthy (sister), Mihipeka Parai (sister)
The citation for Taku in the New Years Honours List is provided below.
“Dr Taku Parai (Ngāti Toa, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Tama) is a Ngāti Toa kaumatua who has contributed to the Porirua and Māori communities for more than 50 years, including as mana whenua representative to Porirua City Council since 1999. Dr Parai has held numerous roles for his iwi, chairing the Ngāti Toa Kaunihera Kaumatua and contributing to preservation of histories and genealogies, wananga waka and wananga reo. He chaired the Board of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira for six years, overseeing the Treaty settlement and the immediate post-settlement period.
He chaired Porirua Council’s Treaty Partnership Group from 2002 to 2010. He has presided over hundreds of cultural occasions, including blessing the pou and city centre in 2019 when it was renamed Te Manawa as a gift from Ngāti Toa. He has provided leadership on the Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour and Catchment Joint Committee since 2013, implementing the Porirua Harbour and Catchment Strategy and Action Plan. He has regularly organised pōwhiri and Māori culture teaching sessions for Council and Government agency staff and people newly resident in the Porirua area. He has been an advisor and kaumatua across primary health care and education facilities for more than 20 years.
Dr Parai has held various advisory and committee roles with local organisations including Māori Women’s Welfare League, the Royal New Zealand Police College, President of the Norths Rugby Club, Kaumatua for NZ Basketball and Māori Basketball and various primary and secondary schools.”
Feature image: Dr Taku Parai with Governor General Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro
