Rotorua Lakes Council CE, Andrew Moraes has announced the successful appointment of Paul Warbrick as the new Manahautū Te Arawa Hourua - Te Arawa Partnerships at Rotorua Lakes Council.
“Our strong partnership with Te Arawa and council’s commitment to biculturalism meant that the successful applicant of this role would play a pivotal part in continuing to strengthen our iwi and hapū connections.”
Currently Kaihautū, Strategic Māori Partnerships at Whakatāne District Council, Mr Warbrick has led council’s approach to building and strengthening relationships with iwi and hapū for the last three years.
Prior to this role, Mr Warbrick held leadership roles at Te Papa Atawhai (DOC Rotorua) for seven and a half years, specialising in Crown Māori relations and operations, the Royal New Zealand Navy for 17 years with active service in Afghanistan and the Middle East, and Whenua Māori governance responsibilities.
Mr Warbrick was also a graduate of Te Rangatakapu o Te Arawa – Te Arawa Emerging Leaders – a Te Arawa led programme which aims to prepare descendants to guide their iwi and develop leaders.
“My previous experience has enabled me to elevate and weave Te Ao Māori and relationships with mana whenua into an organisation’s DNA, and I look forward to continuing to work with our iwi and hapū partners through my role with Te Kaunihera o ngā roto o Rotorua.”
Mr Moraes says there was immense interest in the role from a vast range of candidates, but Paul’s experience in local government, ability to maintain successful iwi partnerships, and energy for change was pivotal to the group manager role.
“I am very confident that Paul will serve our organisation and our community well with his experience and relationships with tāngata whenua and knowledge in local and central government.
“I’m delighted to welcome Paul to the RLC whānau and look forward to him joining me on the journey towards partnerships that deliver benefits for all the people of Rotorua.”
Mr Warbrick hails from Matatā and has whakapapa to Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Awa and Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau. He has lived in Rotorua since 2011 and has been commuting over to Whakatāne for mahi.
He is married with two rangatahi. Outside of mahi, his interests lie in the outdoors and in sport. He is actively involved in waka ama and the local Pikiao Rugby League Club.
He will be welcomed to Te Kaunihera o ngā roto o Rotorua | Rotorua Lakes Council with a pōhiri in late August.