“I always position myself in the change to be part of it rather than fighting against it.”
Kataraina’s curiosity about people, willingness to learn, and openness to change have shaped her 30-year career in local government – from her early days as a council receptionist, to working in local government strategy and governance, and next an international management exchange to Canada.
Building a local government career
Kataraina’s local government career began when she left school and got a job as a receptionist at council. She later moved into coordinator roles before deciding she wanted to do more. That led her to university, where she completed a degree and then a master’s, followed by an internship at a council in planning.
Looking back, she credits the support she received throughout her career as an important part of her development.
“I think that’s the beautiful thing about local government is there is so much encouragement and support, you know, for people to grow in their roles.”
That appetite for learning continues today. Kataraina is currently undertaking postgraduate study exploring the Treaty and international trade agreement.
“It’s keeping me academically stimulated and teaching me things that I would never have known in the global sense in terms of the treaty in its presence there. It’s an interest paper, but it also relates to my mahi.”
For Kataraina, learning is closely connected to her mahi – another way of building the knowledge and perspective she can bring to her work.
Having worked across a number of roles in Bay of Plenty Councils, Kataraina has held the role of General Manager Strategic Engagement at Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council for the last five years.
A commitment to place
Kataraina’s career has developed alongside a strong commitment to her iwi, hapū and marae.
The Bay of Plenty is her tūrangawaewae, and being able to live at home is important to her because of her commitments to her marae, hapū and iwi. Those connections also provide insights that she brings into her professional work.
“The insights I get into hapū dynamics, iwi dynamics, and what’s happening on the ground, so that on-the-ground intel is so invaluable to informing the work we do.”
For Kataraina, those insights come from lived experience. She and her whānau are active in caring for the taiao around Ōhope, including weed and pest control, monitoring the harbour and mussel repatriation. They also keep their own detailed records of fishing and gathering, building their own picture of how the environment is changing.
“We’re practitioners, so I don’t want to talk about kaitiakitanga without actually being a kaitiaki.”
That connection to place also extends into her governance work as a hapū representative on her iwi board. She describes the role as challenging, particularly as national policy and political changes affect iwi and hapū, but says she tries to look for opportunities even when circumstances are difficult.
“It’s trying to look for where’s the hope, you know, where’s an opportunity in times where, you know, it looks quite desperate.”
Growing with Taituarā
Kataraina’s connection with Taituarā goes back to the early part of her career. When she moved into a management role she was encouraged to join – and she has been involved ever since.
Over three decades, she has seen Taituarā change and grow, and she remains a strong advocate for its potential.
She is a founding member of Te Ranga Ahurangi, the Taituarā Te Ao Māori committee which was established up at the end of last year. Kataraina is particularly proud of the organisation’s work around the Treaty, training, and building Māori capability and capacity.
“Regardless of all the noise about diminishing Māori provisions and Māori rights and interests, Taituarā is holding fast.”
For Kataraina, being part of Te Ranga Ahurangi is about helping Taituarā continue to build on that progress. She sees an organisation with a strong foundation and an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to its work with Māori members and communities.
She sees her role as part of a longer journey, with a responsibility to contribute while making space for others to step forward in the future.
Going international
At this year’s Taituarā Excellence Awards Kataraina was named as the recipient of the Overseas Manager Exchange to British Columbia, Canada. The selection came as a welcome surprise for Kataraina and a meaningful recognition of the work she’s put into the sector.
“You just think, actually, you know, people believe in me. It was a real boost to my confidence.”
Kataraina is particularly excited about the opportunity to make lasting connections and learn everything she can. The first step of the process will be her exchange partner Danielle’s visit to Aotearoa, which coincides with Te Hui Taituarā in Ngāmotu.
The pair have already connected online and Kataraina has a packed schedule for Danielle planned including sharing some of her own connections to the Bay of Plenty, including introducing her to Māori leaders, practitioners and kaitiaki.
Next year Kataraina will travel to Vancouver Island to visit Danielle’s Council, she hopes to bring that same spirit of openness and connection.
“I’m just looking for that, just connections, appreciating how other people do things and, you know, everyone’s about the taiao, about the environment. It’s fabulous.”
After 30 years in local government, Kataraina is now, as ever, looking forward – continuing to learn, contribute and be part of the change.
