Rural & provincial representative/Selywn District Council

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Shane Ngapou-O-Te-Hahi Epiha

“The mana of any government sits at the flaxroots of local government, iwi, imi, hapu.” 

Shane Ngapou-O-Te-Hahi Epiha shares the following quote, as spoken by his elders when asking the next generation to take on new responsibilities.   

“If you seek mana in power, it will elude you. However, if you have a genuine sensitivity to people whilst in a position of influence and, you share your humility, wisdom, compassion and aroha, your works and deeds will live on long after you have gone. That my friend is mana and power.”

Shane himself loves the opportunity to be involved in making intergenerational decisions for the community. It was, after all, his weekend and weeknight work with rangatahi that lead to his own involvement in local government, while he was working as a civil construction operator by day. 

He says being an elected member can be tough at times, and you need to protect against falling into the trap of ‘group think’. Another challenge is the need to interpret government reforms at pace, as councils need to then create the bridge between intentions and community outcomes.   

But his community lifts him up, and being at events like the Leeston Fete, historic commemorations and opening ceremonies restores his energy.  

In order to meet the needs of the future, Shane believes councils need to be lighter, faster and leaner. He adds that the ability to work collaboratively, and distinguish between personal and professional interests, is imperative for elected members if they want to achieve long term success.