Poukōrero Turama Hawira is an experienced cultural advisor and a trustee and director of several hapū and iwi trusts.

He has chaired the Ngā Rauru Iwi post-settlement governance entity, currently serves as a director of Morikaunui Incorporation and presented research and advice on behalf of hapū and iwi claimants of the wider Whanganui-Ruapehu District to both the National Park Inquiry and Whanganui District Inquiry of the Waitangi Tribunal, WAI 903. 

Keria Ponga together with her late husband Royce Te Rangitautahi Ponga have been central to many key efforts for the Whanganui River. For more than 40 years, Mrs Ponga has amassed a deep appreciation and love of Whanganui Awa tribal knowledge, as well as a career in community development, private enterprise, business mentoring and economic development within a national context. Mrs Ponga offers experience having held governance and leadership roles within several organisations, the most current being Ātihau-Whanganui
Incorporation, and the Sarjeant Gallery Trust.

Born and raised at Pūtiki alongside her elders, Mrs Ponga brings to the role of Te Pou Tupua an intimate understanding of Te Awa Tupua, and a commitment to serve her Iwi for the betterment of future generations.

Annette was the Mayor of Whanganui during a fairly tumultuous time.

Her six years in the role included guiding the community through the process to correct the spelling of the district, confirming the rebuild of a failed wastewater plant, regaining a positive reputation and stimulating growth, and leading the region's mayors during that time, through the process of initial understanding of the proposed Te Awa Tupua legislation.

Nō Ngati Tuwharetoa raua ko Ngati Raukawa Wiari was born and raised in Taumarunui and educated at Tipene Kura and Wellington Polytechnic. 

Wiari has worked in Enviromental Health and as a Building Inspector for the Councils of Taumarunui, Waimarino, Ohakune and Raetihi. 

He has also been a Social Worker working for the Social Welfare Department, holding managerial roles.  

In May 2018, Wiari was elected as Chairman for Te Kotahitanga o Ngati Tuwharetoa. 

NGĀTI TUPOHO, NGĀTI RANGI

Ko Raymond Tauroa tōku pāpā, Ko Nga Puhi me Ngati Kahu ki Whangaroa te iwi, Nō Kaeo hau kāinga. 
Ko Aria Pohe-Graham tōku māmā, Ko Ngāti Tupoho me Ngāti Rangi ngā hapū, Ko Taihape te hau kāinga. 
Ko Siani Walker tōku ingoa, Nō Whanganui ahau.
I grew up in Whanganui, holidayed in Taihape, and tripped up and down Te Awa Tupua with my nanny Ani-Paki Waitai Haapu.

Those are times and memories that have ignited my desire to reconnect with Te Awa Tupua, be informed by Te Awa Tupua hapū, and especially important is to make time to enjoy with my whānau.  As an appointed Advisory Trustee to Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui Trust, I am humbled by the knowledge, passion and commitment of those before me who have incrementally and staunchly lead the kaupapa for Te Awa Tupua. I hope to contribute to that kaupapa and the mahi needed to have the voice of Te Awa Tupua heard, to have the recognition of Te Awa Tupua clearly understood by communities and to make a contribution and difference in the care, nuture and management of this taonga.