HE TAKATA

Dec 18, 2025

SUZANNE ELLISON
(Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe me Waitaha, Kai te Ruahikihiki me Kati Huirapa oku hapu. Ngati Mutunga me Te Ati Awa etahi o oku iwi)
Ko Suzanne toku ikoa. I’ve been living the Kai Tahu dream since the 80s (reminiscent of Cher, I mean the 1980s not the 1880s!), being part of settlement times and supporting the development of our iwi and hapu through to the present.
I grew up in Karitane and returned here around 25 years ago after working for the Ngai Tahu Maori Trust Board (NTMTB) and later the Ngai Tahu Development Corporation while based in Otautahi and Otepoti.
In my first role for the NTMTB I was lucky enough to regularly travel the length and breadth of the tribal rohe, and further afield to meet our emergent papatipu runaka, getting to know iwi members and their challenges.

I was privileged to spend time with our kaumatua and tribal leaders as well as the roving van loads of whanau travelling to hui and meetings all around the motu. These days you’ll usually find me at the Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki office where I’m Rūnaka Manager.

I’m lucky to have close to me, and often working alongside, my brother, nieces, nephews, cousins – it’s a family affair, plus many other dedicated and talented hapu and hapori members. And, from time to time I escape to arts festivals and gigs to remind myself about life outside the iwi.

Left to right – Members of the Ellison whanau, Matapura & Maria, Melissa, Governor- General Dame Patsy Reddy, Suzanne, Aroha, Kathryn & Rani.


WHAT CONSTITUTES A GOOD DAY?
The best days are those hanging out with
the whanau at holiday times. However, as
most days are work days for me, a good day
is when I am up early, been for a swim at the
local pool, and ready for the challenges of
the day, of which there are generally plenty.

ONE THING YOU COULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
Music – listening to it, having it running
around in my head (which can be annoying),
making music with mates.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
I was unexpectedly inspired by Herbie
Hancock, who played alongside many of
the jazz greats from the 50s and 60s. I went
along thinking it would be good to hear one
of the ‘greats’ before ‘kua mate ia’ and didn’t
have high expectations. Eighty-four-yearold
Herbie at his Wellington concert was
energised, still playing like a true pro, giving
an excellent performance as someone who
is still finding inspiration to keep taking jazz
into the stratosphere. It was very cool.

HIGHLIGHT IN THE LAST YEAR AND WHY?
A ‘moko-nui’ made an unexpected arrival in
our whanau and has reminded me of the joy
we get from pepi. We’ve lost whanau this
year, so the arrival of our latest pepi helps us
look to the future and not dwell too much
on who and what we’ve lost.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Can a family member be an extravagance?
If so, the answer is Liam, my great-nephew!
However, aside from whanau I love a nice
piece of art and our Kai Tahu artists create
fabulous works that are hard to resist.

FAVOURITE WAY TO CHILL OUT? FAVOURITE PLACE?
Taku whare with the view across the
Waikouaiti awa and bay over to Ohineamio
(Cornish Head).

DANCE OR WALLFLOWER?
Dance, though usually I’d be in the band
at a dance.

WHAT FOOD COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
For day-to-day eating yummy, crunchy
greens are great. However, kai awa and
kai moana are bliss kai, with tuna having
a special place, probably because of its
scarcity.

WHAT MEAL DO YOU COOK THE MOST?
Most often they are quick meals, unless
I’ve got organised at the weekend and
prepared ahead.

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Still working up to that, haven’t achieved
a ‘greatest’ yet.

DO YOU HAVE AN ASPIRATION FOR KAI TAHU TO ACHIEVE BY 2050?
Kai Tahu rakatirataka is normalised
and underpinned by economic power to
transform our rohe back into a vibrant,
healthy place for whanau and iwi as well
as the wider community.