Helen Te Hira

Helen’s role is dedicated to driving inclusive growth and maximising the potential of Māori contributions to Tāmaki Makaurau’s unique identity and collective prosperity. With more than two decades’ experience in leadership roles across the public and private sectors, her career is marked by a consistent focus on promoting indigenous rights, strategic partnerships and building organisational capability.

At the time of the merger that created TAU, Helen was General Manager Kaupapa Māori at legacy CCO Regional Facilities Auckland. Since 2015, Helen has volunteered with the Auckland Resettlement Community Coalition; and is a board member for Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou, supporting children and families of people serving a sentence.

She has a bachelor's degree in South-East Asian and Māori Studies from the University of Auckland and completed post-graduate study in property development and finance. She enjoys spending time in the Kaipara and Far North connecting with her iwi of Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whātua.