Charlie Rahiri

Charlie is based in Tauranga Moana with his Wahine and three Children.

Charlie was born and bred in Tauranga Moana and was raised on the Marae at Te Wairoa. He acknowledged this as his grounding in Te Ao Māori, having been surrounded by Kaumātua from a very young age. He was nurtured on the Marae for roles on the Paepae, as an Āpotoro of the Rātana faith, in the kitchen and continues to serve our people through roles in his Marae and iwi.

In a professional capacity, Charlie has had an expansive career in Iwi, NGO, and the public sector with MSD, Te Puni Kōkiri, and Te Arawhiti. He has spent time in Parliament as the Senior Political Advisor to Hon Nanaia Mahuta, and more recently, he was Pou Ārahi Māori with the Ministry of Education. 

He has qualifications in Te Reo Māori and Health and holds extensive leadership and governance experience. He is the current chair of Ngāti Ranginui Iwi, Te Kupenga Hao o Ngāti Ranginui, and Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Ranginui.

Charlie is well connected throughout Te Ao Māori and the government and is often called upon to facilitate, provide advice and lead Māori and government relationships.

*Charlie was Acting Director for the Māori Policy Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, from May to November 2023. As of November 2023, he has been permanently appointed as the Divisional Manager for Houtina - Māori Division. Since being employed by the Ministry, he has abstained from participating in Te Hurumanu decision-making processes.