Team - Tūmanako Rānui
Robin Paratene
General Manager
As the Pou Whakahaere Pūngao Kōmariu – General Manager of Tūmanako Rānui, Robin Paratene, wields over twenty years of Māori land administration and governance expertise. His distinguished career spans across the private and public sectors, highlighting his specialization in Māori land advisory roles and agricultural development services. As an accomplished project manager, Robin emphasizes innovation and fosters strategic partnerships with Māori landowners to stimulate regional economic growth. His leadership in the solar and renewable energy initiatives underscores his dedication to integrating sustainable practices with traditional land stewardship, propelling the community towards a greener and more prosperous future.
KANI EDWARDS
Group Manager Whenua Advisory
With a robust foundation of over 25 years of engagement with Māori entities and whenua trusts, Kani Edwards embraces the role of Group Manager Whenua Advisory for the Tumanako Rānui solar farm initiative. Building on his extensive experience in land use for whenua Māori, Kani is key in harnessing this knowledge for the optimal deployment of solar energy resources. His focus on leveraging traditional land wisdom and synthesizing it with the technology and sustainability of solar farms is instrumental in contributing to regional economic growth. His tenure at the Crown Forestry Rental Trust in treaty settlement negotiations and leadership in Te Rūnanga ō Ngāti Manawa Trust will be invaluable in his advisor role, where collaboration and understanding of Māori perspectives on land are essential for the success of the solar farm project.
Blair Jamieson
CEO Co-founder of Tāmata Hauhā
Blair, stemming from his Ōrewa heritage and connections to Te Rarawa and Ngā Puhi, channels his vast primary sector experience into the pioneering solar farm project at Tāmata Hauhā. Building on his passion for land diversification and sustainable practices, Blair leverages his qualifications in commerce, aquaculture, operations, and logistics, applying them to the renewable energies sector. Furthermore, his background is fortified by substantial involvement with Māori landowners, water quality, and land management, which equips him with a unique perspective on integrating traditional land stewardship with innovative solar technologies. Through this new venture, as CEO, Blair aims to embolden whānau and communities by contributing to energy independence and economic resilience.
Cherie Tirikātene
Regional Advisor South Island
Cherie Tirikatene, a passionate advocate for self-determination, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, brings substantial expertise to her role as Regional Advisor for the Tūmanko Ranui solar project with a focus on supporting landowners in the South Island through development and carbon specialists Tāmata Hauhā. Her exceptional skills in governance, stakeholder negotiations, mentoring, and dedication to fostering a collective approach in driving renewable energy projects make her a key asset in advancing the solar project’s objectives in the South Island.
Lequan Meihana
Tikanga Advisor
With over 20 years of experience in Tikanga Advisory, Lequan Meihana has been a dedicated Regional Advisor for the Te Taihauāuru region at Tāmata Hauhā. With a profound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga, Lequan is positioned to support and work closely with whānau, hapū, and iwi. His academic background in Mātauranga Māori and Literary Performing Arts, along with a Diploma in Rongoā Māori, equips him with the expertise to effectively navigate and advise on cultural protocols, communication, and engagement. Lequan’s commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development makes him an invaluable asset to Tāmata Hauhā in driving forward its projects dedicated to enhancing the prosperity of Māori landowners and communities.
Ben Marsden
Regional Advisor Northland
As Regional Advisor Te Tai Tokerau (Northland), Ben Marsden brings a wealth of experience from working in the public sector and applying Agile Project Management. Moreover, Ben is passionate about land diversification, working with Māori corporate entities, whanau/hāpu and large Māori land trusts. Ben advocates for driving positive change, sustainable land use, regional economic growth, and building community resilience.
