We’re happy to share that Rulon Nutira (Ngāti Irakehu, Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki – Ngāi Tahu) has agreed to become our inaugural Kaitorete Ranger, starting on Monday 14 August, 2023.
As some of you know, Rulon joins Tāwhaki from Mahaanui Kurataiao Ltd, where he was an Environmental Cultural Monitor. Rulon is excited to join Tāwhaki and has expressed a deep personal
appreciation of our dual kaupapa, which brings together whenua rejuvenation and aerospace.

In applying for the role of Kaitorete Ranger, Rulon talked about the path laid out for him by his grandparents.

In days gone by, they would walk Kaitorete from Wairewa to Taumutu in pursuit of mahinga kai and whanaungatanga. In following in his grandparents’ footsteps, Rulon wants to fulfil a responsibility he feels to protect and restore Kaitorete for current and future generations.
Rulon brings valuable skills and experience to our Tāwhaki team. In his role at Mahaanui Kurataiao Ltd, Rulon worked on cultural monitoring, research, mapping, fish surveying and plant and bird identification to
understand the state of freshwater in the local takiwā. He also has extensive experience in the construction industry and is a former professional rugby league player, having played for New Zealand Māori and various teams in the NRL.

In his new role, he will report to Julian Phillips, Head of Whenua Planning and Rejuvenation, and work alongside Dy, Erana and the wider team to progress our mahi.
Nau mai, haere mai, Rulon!