Tahu Potiki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tahu Potiki
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Potiki in April 2019
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| Born | 23 December 1966 Palmerston, New Zealand
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| Died | 27 August 2019 (aged 52) Auckland, New Zealand
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| Occupation | Māori leader |
| Known for | Chief executive of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu from 2002 to 2006 |
Tahu Potiki (born 23 December 1966 – died 27 August 2019) was an important Māori leader from New Zealand. He was the chief executive of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu from 2002 to 2006. This is a main organization for the Ngāi Tahu iwi (tribe).
About Tahu Potiki
Tahu Potiki was born in Palmerston. He grew up in a place called Karitane. His parents were Les and Rona Potiki.
As he grew up, Tahu became an expert on the history of his iwi, Ngāi Tahu. An iwi is a large Māori tribe or nation.
His Leadership Roles
Tahu Potiki held many important jobs. He was the kaiarahi (leader) at the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology. This school is now known as the Ara Institute of Canterbury.
He also led the board of the Ngāi Tahu Development Corporation. This group helps with business and growth for the Ngāi Tahu people. Tahu also served on health boards for the Canterbury and West Coast regions.
A Special Honor
Tahu Potiki passed away in Auckland on 27 August 2019. He was 52 years old. He had been dealing with a serious liver illness since 2014. In 2017, he received a liver transplant.
To honor his memory, an asteroid was named after him. On 14 May 2021, asteroid 101462 Tahupotiki was officially given his name. This asteroid was found by British astronomer Ian P. Griffin in 1998. It's a special way to remember his contributions.
