'Let's make our own table': Dave Letele reflects on appointment to iwi trust

Ex-professional boxer The Brown Buttabean is moving into a new ring with a position in iwi governance.

Community leader Dave Letele has been appointed an independent trustee of the Ngāti Maniapoto post-settlement governance entity - Te Nehenehenui (TNN).

It’s his first ever governance role and a position of natural progression for Letele, a long-time vocal challenger for change for lower socio-economic Māori and Pacific peoples.

Letele, who is of Samoa and Māori heritage with whakapapa to Ngāti Maniapoto*, spoke on Pacific Mornings about how his new role builds on his community based work.

“It’s just amazing bro! This is my people, mum was born in Te Kūiti**... for me, it’s learning from my people so it better prepares me for the future. We’ve got to be at the table where decisions are made.

“But not just be at the table to get crumbs. Let’s make our own table and invite who we want there."

Te Nehenehenui (TNN) is a fairly new trust that arose as a result of a 30 year Treaty and post-settlement negotiation journey between the Ngāti Maniapoto* and the Crown.

Prior to European settlement, much of the King Country (Waikato Region) was covered in lush forest known as Te Nehe-nehe-nui. Hence naming the trust after a significant environmental asset of the Maniapoto people.

Shortly after the Maniapoto Deed of Settlement was signed in 2021, then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met with some 3000 iwi members to issue an apology, indicating the start of a new relationship.

Letele acknowledges his iwi for backing him with the responsibility of carrying on the baton for his people.

“Te Nehenehenui are really wrapping around me to train me, putting me onto courses. I’m really proud that they see something in me that can help.”

Te Nehenehenui Establishment Trustees, Group CE (Samuel Mikaere), accompanied by Ngāti Maniapoto Kaumātua Rovina Maniapoto at Te Rangiwaituhi (Sunday, 4 December 2022). Photo/tenehenehenui.iwi.nz

Some of the main expectations of TNN trustees are to promote social, cultural, spiritual, educational, environmental and economic development and advancement across the rohe (area) and to encourage health and wellbeing of whānau.

And as The Brown Buttabean, social activist and fitness movement motivator, these values are naturally instilled in Letele.

“Everything we do in BBM, trying to take what we’ve learned here back home to our people to make sure it’s getting to where it’s needed.

“One thing that I’m always proud of is that we’re very connected into our community and into our people so our ears are always on the ground.”

Letele understands it can be a sink-or-swim situation for Pacific people in governance roles, but the importance of aligning with Māori affairs helps benefit the common under-privileged spaces in communities.

He says his core message is the people are the heart of a driven purpose.

"It's really important people that come from community get into these types of roles, bring their experience but don't forget to come back and that it's all about our people.

"We can never go wrong so long as we remember at our hearts, our people are our why. If we want to affect change we've got to be where these discussions are being had."

*Ngāti Maniapoto stretches from inland to the West Coast of the North Island, in the Waikato-Waitomo region. The coastal boundary goes from Kāwhia to Mōkau with the Rangitoto Range marking the eastern boarder.

**Te Kūiti is the heart of Ngāti Maniapoto territory.

Watch the entire interview with Dave Letele below.