Ko Maunga Tapu Te Maunga

Ko Mahitahi te awa

Ko Whakatu te Marae

Ko Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Kuia, Rangitane, Ngāti Apa me Ngai Tahu Ngā Iwi

Frank Hippolite was born and raised in Nelson and returned home after some years in the North Island. Frank has been the General Manager of Tiakina Te Taiao since 2014. He has guided the company through some challenging times and is a strong advocate for the recognition of Iwi rights.

As a member of an Iwi working party Frank has negotiated with Ministers of Parliament on the matter of marine farms in Te Tau Ihu.

Under invitation from Minister Mahuta, Frank is involved in meetings with the Ministry of Local Government on the ‘Three Waters’ proposals currently being discussed.

After being recommended by the Iwi chairs of Nelson Tasman, Frank is now the Iwi rep on the Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit.

Frank has experience as the Chair of Ngāti Koata and as the manager for the Ngai Tahu Law centre. As a solicitor Frank has appeared in the Environmental Protection Authority hearings, Maori Land Courts, the District Court and in Council plan review hearings.

Frank considers his most important work is the raising of his 6 children with his lovely wife Karina from Porirua Ngāti Toa Rangatira.

Melanie brings her talents and skills as a cross-cultural and bilingual consultant to Tiakina. Her expertise is utilised as Iwi Liaison Manager, Resource Consents Iwi Liaison Officer, and in the preparation of Cultural Impact Assessment reports.

Melanie is very approachable, knowledgeable and has developed strong relationships with Councils, ensuring a professional and prompt result for all parties.

Paula is our Accounting Admin Go-To team member ... she has good all round knowledge in all aspects of office admin and day to day accounting – plus she keeps the tidiest desk in the office!