Parai, Taku is elected Iwi belong to Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira Board and has been the chairperson for several years. He is the Kaumatua in Porirua City Council and a strong advocate for the people of Porirua.

Taku Parai was born and raised in Takap uwahia and has a strong knowledge of Ngati Toatanga. He finished the Mana College secondary school and went to Ngatitoa Primary. Taku has a Bachelor of Arts (History/Sociology) Degree, Victoria University, Honours 1 st Class (Maori) and is studying towards a Ph.D.

Taku has been an active member of the community for many decades, contributing positively to the growth and development of Porirua in a myriad of ways. He lives, breathes and loves Porirua and is proud to be Ngāti Toa.

Taku has sat on a number of Boards and has been an integral part of Whitireia Community Polytechnic Executive team from 2001-2015 and now he works at the Whitireia New Zealand Recruitment, South Island Whānau Ora Commission (Putahitanga), Te Runanga o Ngati Toarangatira. [3]

Parai's ** leadership is recognized as Kaumātua for Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Chair of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Board, as well as Kaumātua for Porirua City Council. Taku has become the custodian of the mantle of leadership of Ngāti Toa because of his openness and willingness to pass on the history, traditions, and values of his heritage. ^[14] Taku supports blessings, cultural events, tangihanga, marae experiences, school visits, Ka Mate haka education and much more. He is a champion for the young people of Porirua and a person who engages in a wide range of community organizations, trusts, and institutions. ^[14]

His activities provide a service to Ngāti Toa that is unique and special because it is given with genuine enthusiasm, without expectation of recognition or reward.

Here are some quotes about Taku:

"Taku wears many hats and is accepted in all these settings comfortably. He has to adapt his approach to the different audiences and always does this with a willing smile on his face.”

“We all know that we can rely on Taku for support any time of the day or night…He is a wonderful part of the Takapūwāhia Marae volunteer team and we love him for all he does for us.” [5]

Company name Position Period

Taku is married to Ranei Wineera.

Parai is widely involved with a church, environmental, sports groups and advocating for the social, economic and health needs of the community.

Taku has been with the Māori team over the last two years.

His family is also involved in Basketball at a number of levels including NZ Representation.