Lisa Tumahai (Ngāi Tahu, Tainui, Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāti Kahungunu)

Lisa Tumahai is the Kaiwhakahaere / Chairperson of the Tribal Parliament of Ngāi Tahu. She has served in the Tribal Parliament for over 20 years and has held the role of Kaiwhakahaere for the last seven. She is also an active and important leader for her hapū, Ngāti Waewae, and a Commercial Director for her Papatipu Rūnanga (Marae entity) on Te Tai Poutini West Coast.

An experienced Governor and Iwi leader with a firm understanding of the role indigenous leadership can and should play in making important decisions about the future, Lisa is a sought-after and respected advisor across both the public and private sectors. She is respected for her advice and governance oversight on a wide range of areas, including public health, indigenous rights in resource management and environmental protection, the provision of health and well-being services, and community and regional development.

Lisa is also the Deputy Chair of He Pou ā Rangi – Climate Change Commission, New Zealand’s independent climate change advisory body. In this role, she provides advisory and governance oversight on climate change issues in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her passion for protecting the landscape and resources of the region for future generations is evident in her work as she strives to ensure that climate change is addressed effectively.