Source: Te Mātāwai
Media Release | 27 August 2026
Te Mātāwai is pleased to announce the appointment of Ruakiri Fairhall (Ngāti Tarāwhai, Te Arawa, Te Whakatōhea), as its new Co-Chair.
Current Co-Chair Mātai Smith says Ruakiri brings extensive experience in governance, te reo Māori revitalisation, haka, and iwi leadership, along with a strong commitment to advancing the reo Māori aspirations of whānau, hapū and iwi.
“Ruakiri is a dedicated champion of te reo Māori who has supported a wide range of language initiatives within Te Arawa and internationally, particularly in London.”
“He has made an excellent contribution since joining the Board, and we are delighted to welcome him into this new leadership role,” says Co-Chair Mātai Smith.
Ruakiri joined the Te Mātāwai Board in May 2025, having served in an acting capacity since October 2024. He has represented Te Pae Motuhake o Te Arawa since 2021.
He offers a depth of governance expertise as a trustee of Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi Trust, Te Reo Irirangi o Te Arawa and Ngā Kohinga Whakairo o Hinemihi Charitable Trust.
“I’m excited and humbled to be in this new role of Hoa-Toihau and I am driven by the goal of ensuring te reo Māori is alive, healthy, vibrant and safe for our future generations across Aotearoa, and the globe. Te reo Māori is a language for all,” says Ruakiri.
Photo caption: Photo of Te Mātāwai Board Co-Chair Ruakiri Fairhall (Ngāti Tarāwhai, Te Arawa, Te Whakatōhea) who was appointed to his leadership role yesterday.