Taituarā is excited to welcome Alecia “Leish” Thompson into the newly created position of Pou Ārahi, established to help lead and support the organisation’s ongoing commitment to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi across its work, relationships and future direction.
The role reflects the progress Taituarā has made recently through its updated constitution and Te Tiriti Positioning Statement, reinforcing our commitment to support the local government sector in this area.
As Pou Ārahi, Leish will play a key role in supporting the organisation’s Te Tiriti journey, including working alongside Te Ranga Ahurangi and helping shape and support initiatives like the inaugural Te Kāhui Ahunuku wānanga. The event will bring together Māori working across local government from around the motu in Taranaki later this year.
Introducing Leish
For Leish, stepping into this role feels less like a career move and more like a natural continuation of a deeply personal journey.
Growing up “a Hutt girl through and through” Leish’s upbringing was shaped by her Mum and was grounded in a European world, but over the last decade she has been on a journey to reconnect with her whakapapa, her reo and her understanding of Te Ao Māori.
“It became really important for me to understand where I come from and how I could contribute to my community and my people,” she says.
That journey has shaped not only who she is personally, but the way she approaches her mahi. Throughout her career, particularly during her seven years in talent and capability at Contact Energy, Leish has worked in roles centred on people, relationships and organisational growth. Much of that work focused on building capability, supporting people through change and helping organisations think more intentionally about inclusion and development.
Over time, she became increasingly passionate about the role Te Ao Māori perspectives can play in workplace culture and leadership.
“I realised the value that Te Ao Māori can bring into a mahi environment, not just for Māori, but for everybody.”
Alongside her professional experience, Leish’s personal life has also profoundly shaped her outlook. The last two years have been tough for her whānau and made her reassess what is really important to her at home and work.
“When you go through difficult times, you realise you can’t separate who you are at work from who you are at home. The two are connected.”
Leish with her whānau
After stepping away from corporate life late last year to focus on whānau and wellbeing, Leish wasn’t necessarily expecting to jump straight back into a new role. But when she came across the Pou Ārahi opportunity at Taituarā, something clicked.
“It felt like this beautiful collision of where I was personally and professionally,” she says. “I have a huge passion for Te Ao Māori and kaupapa Māori ways of working. This role felt like a space where I could bring that passion while continuing my own journey too.”
Since joining Taituarā a few weeks ago, Leish has focused on learning about the sector starting to make connections and get to know the rest of the Taituarā team.
She’s excited about what’s ahead and helping to create a safe and approachable environment for Taituarā kaimahi to continue to explore Te Ao Māori perspectives in their work.
“I want people to feel comfortable asking questions, learning and growing without feeling afraid of getting it wrong,” she says.
Leish sees her role as helping guide and support others as the organisation continues its Te Tiriti journey.
“Taituarā has been really honest about wanting to do better while also acknowledging we’re still at the beginning of that journey. That’s actually a really powerful place to start from.”
She’s excited to see the organisation and its kaimahi grow in confidence in this space. As Taituarā continues to grow its understanding and capability, Leish hopes the journey will feel authentic, collaborative and empowering for everyone involved.
And for her personally, after just a few weeks in the role, joining the organisation already feels like the right place at the right time.
Join us in Ngāmotu
This year we are holding the inaugural Te Kāhui Ahunuku ahead of Te Hui Taituarā – our annual conference. Te Kāhui Ahunuku is an in-person wānanga for local government practitioners with responsibilities for Māori responsiveness and effectiveness.
It will be held on Tuesday 8 September in Ngāmotu New Plymouth and will be free to attend.
