Ngāi Tahu Environment Canterbury Councillors selected

The people of Waitaha Canterbury, the environment and future generations will be well-served by the selection of two highly qualified and experienced Ngāi Tahu Environment Canterbury Councillors, Chief Executive Officer of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Ben Bateman says.

“Following a robust selection process led by mana whenua, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu has confirmed its intention to appoint Iaean Cranwell and Megen McKay to serve as the two Ngāi Tahu Environment Canterbury Councillors for a three-year term effective from 17 October 2025,” Ben says.

Puamiria Parata-Goodall, who chaired the mana whenua selection panel, commented that the calibre of applicants was high and thanked everyone who put themselves forward to sit at the Council table.

“These appointments reflect the track record, environmental and governance expertise of both Iaean and Megen, alongside their deep connections within hapū, iwi and wider communities,” Puamiria says.

Iaean Cranwell - photo courtesy of ECAN

Iaean Cranwell is being re-appointed to the role after having served as a Ngāi Tahu Environment Canterbury Councillor for thepast three years. He also represented Ngāi Tahu on Environment Canterbury as a Councillor from 2016 to 2019. Throughout his career, Iaean has worked closely with environmental organisations and has served as a director, chair, and member on a variety of commercial and charitable organisations.

“I am really looking forward to the next triennium and working with all councillors, new and returning, to focus on our waterways, water quality and quantity from the mountains to the sea; to implement the biodiversity strategy; and to continue and improve the Tuia relationship between mana whenua and Environment Canterbury,” Iaean says.

“With local government and Resource Management Act reforms continuing to progress at pace, this new council needs to work together and find a pathway forward for the future of Waitaha - what is good for mana whenua is good for the region,” he says.

Megen McKay

Megen McKay brings over 25 years of experience in governance, law, and local leadership. Appointed by Te Taumutu Rūnanga as the inaugural mana whenua representative on Selwyn District Council, Megen has strengthened partnerships between iwi and local government. A lawyer and Independent Hearings Commissioner, she is known for principled leadership and collaborative, evidence-based decision-making that protects Canterbury’s environment and serves its communities with integrity and care.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside councillors, mana whenua, and our communities to make well-informed decisions that deliver real results for Canterbury’s people and environment — protecting the wellbeing of our places for future generations,” Megen says.

Under the provisions of the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Act 2022, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu may appoint two Ngāi Tahu Environment Canterbury Councillors every three years, coinciding with local body elections.