Tauranga’s Puhirake Ihaka was left astounded when he received notification about his recognition in the 2025 New Year Honours list. Initially, he thought the celebratory email was either scam or some sort of joke. “I was thinking, is this for real? I made some calls for confirmation before my worry turned to shock. I was really surprised, to be honest,” said the 76-year-old kaumātua of Ngāi Te Rangi, who has dedicated his life to advocating for Māori rights and leadership within the governance framework.
Puhirake Ihaka has spent more than two decades representing Ngāti Tapu on Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi Trust. His efforts have been pivotal in extensive research and preparation for the iwi's Waitangi Tribunal Treaty claims, and he has been recognized for his leadership throughout the negotiation processes involved. His influence has stretched across several prestigious appointments, including roles on the Ngāi Te Rangi Settlement Trust and Fisheries Trust, instrumental roles on the Tauranga City Council Tangata Whenua Collective, and being the independent chairman for 12 years.
He reflects on his commitment with humility, stating, “That is only half of it.” With his multiple contributions, like serving on the Otamataha Trust and as director of Te Kawai Taumata, he often laughs about having worn “about 10 chair hats at one stage.” His extensive governance is not just professional but deeply rooted in his desire to serve Māori communities.
Originally from Auckland, raised within a Pākehā environment, Ihaka holds a post-graduate degree in engineering. During the early stages of his career, he worked for various prominent companies; yet, he felt an unyielding pull back to Tauranga Moana. His family returned to their ancestral home in 1995, marking what he describes as the beginning of his new era. “At the time, I was part of the drift of urban Māori who were educated and grew up in the big cities and then went back to their roots,” he noted.
This transition back to his heritage included relearning te reo Māori and immersing himself with his marae, hapū, and iwi. Puhirake, whose Māori tipuna name evokes the memory of Rawiri Puhirake—a noted Ngai Te Rangi war chief—has emphasized the importance of cultural identity throughout his work.
“I represented tangata whenua in the consultation process with council,” he explained, recalling his advocacy for resource consent, compliance, and regulations. This unique position empowered him to bridge gaps between Māori perspectives and local governance. Ihaka recalls the early years after his return as time spent learning all about tikanga Māori and whakapapa, which proved invaluable for his community work and leadership roles.
His first job saw him writing Ngāi te Rangi newsletters, paving the way for his involvement in settlement claims processes with his hapū. His relentless spirit and commitment to community engagement caught the attention of those around him, propelling him onwards to numerous positions over the years.
Being appointed as an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and governance was not just recognition for himself; it was something much bigger. “Being able to give back to my whānau, hapū, and iwi has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” he shared with pride.
Puhirake's narrative reminds us of the deep connections and responsibilities shared among the Māori people. His path is not just about governance but also about heritage, identity, and legacy. He aims to inspire future generations with his work, emphasizing the teachings of his ancestors and the importance of community.
“Ko te Manawa Rere Kia u, Kia u. Trembling hearts stand firm, stand firm,” is the war cry of Rawiri Puhirake, symbolizing resilience and steadfastness. Through his commendable actions and commitment, Puhirake Ihaka stands as both leader and role model for the current and future generations of Māori and beyond.