Haami Piripi

Haami Piripi ONZM, born in Ahipara and studied at Massey University and graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work and sociology. Haami has been the Chairperson of Te Runanga o Te Rarawa leading the iwi to successfully reach a Treaty Settlement claim.

Through Haami's leadership, he has enabled a strong foundation for Te Runanga o Te Rarawa to thrive. He has been a vocal voice in iwi leaders forums, a Senior Servant, a Treaty Claim negotiator and policy manager, a Chief Executive of the Maori language Commission and he sits on numerous Boards as an advisor.

Haami has been nurtured by his elders and has been handed down expert knowledge on the history of Tai Tokerau. He is recognised as an exponent of whaikorero on marae nationwide and has written many historical papers including many on Te Oneroa a Tōhe. He is a leader and passionate about the Taiao and the inception of the Te Oneroa a Tōhe Beach Board was initiated by Haami and his leadership. Haami continues to write including political commentary and also appears on TV and radio stations.