Dane Tumahai | Cultural Adviser | Te Manu Taupua

Panelist for Arup’s most regenerative workspace event

A 7th generation direct descendant of his tupuna, Chief Apihai Te Kawau who gifted land during the period of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi to establish Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland City. Through conquest and continued occupation, he exercise his ahikā (keeping the home fires burning) in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau. His identity is acknowledged and strengthened through being authentic and working in reciprocity. As well as being Māori he also has whakapapa (ancestry) to Tahiti. His father – the oldest living member of their tribe at 93 – reminds him that they are both hula and haka and Dane has had the privilege of being mentored by him to become a servant leader to their iwi and community underpinned by manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, whakapapa and humarie. Dane has worn several different potae (hats) over his career working mainly alongside and with Māori and Pasifika as well as providing cultural advice and guidance to both the public and private sector. He is currently involved in facilitating culturally empowering learning experiences both local and international, through tourism.