Huhana Watene – Unitec.

Tena koutou nga whanau o wahine toa

Nga mihi mahana ki a korua Jodi Hawe Tangata Mãori and Sian Halcrow Tangata Tiriti, our outgoing VP's for the National Women's Committee. We acknowledge them for their excellent commitment and contributions to the mahi as the first Co-presidents representing TEU Wahine members over the last two years - miharo Sian and Jodi

"Aroha mai, aroha atu - love received, love returned"

A reflection of their mutual kindness and generosity offered to others as NWC Vice Presidents.

Ko wai au, ko Hikurangi te maunga, ko Waiapu te awa, ko Iritekura te hapu, ko Ngati Porou te iwi, ko Huhana Watene toku ingoa

With Jodi not standing I have decided to stand for the VP Wahine: Mãori for the 2026-2027 term. The two incoming Tumu Whakarae (Presidents) starting next year elected and a to be decided new National Secretary, I believe I can offer some continuity and my commitment to a Tiriti-led union is as strong as when I stood as the first President Mãori.

I did not re-stand as I believed my role was to provide the initial foundation for Co-governance at the President's level through whanaungatanga, manaaki and tautoko but for one term only. The newly elected Presidents for 2026-2027 are confirmed and now believe I can contribute to the NWC. If elected I give both wahine Mãori and Tangata Tiriti my personal commitment to continue the mahi through constructive engagement and to work collectively with the successful VP Tangata Tiriti.

Issues that further all wahine in the union wil be a priority such as, Pay Equity initiatives, precarious worker issues, commitment to TEU's Tirit journey through utilizing TEU's Constitution, Whainga and Matapono and where appropriate support other roopu - U/35, Queer and Whaikaha. I am confident if elected together with the VP Tangata Tiriti we wil strongly represent TEU's Märeikura and confidently convey that to the 2026-2027 Council of Te Hautu Kahurangi.

"Mã mua ka kite a muri, mã muri ka ora a mua."

"Those who lead give sight to those who follow; those who follow give life to those who lead."

This emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between leaders and committee members.