Representative for Ōraka Aparima

Rewi Davis

Born in Aparima/Riverton to Wiremu (Bill) and Jane Davis, Rewi grew up attending Ngāi Tahu hui, visiting the Tītī Islands and fishing out of Bluff as a young man. He has a strong connection to Ngāi Tahu values and principles, thanks to his parents’ involvement in iwi affairs.

For over 40 years, Rewi worked his way from entry level Roustabout (starting in 1976 on the Penrod 74 out of Rakiura’s Big Glory Bay); to the senior role of Assistant Area Manager for all of Australia, Asia and Aotearoa/New Zealand. Rewi has previously worked as an a shore-Based Operations Manager for offshore Drilling Rigs in countries such as Scotland, Norway, South Africa, Brazil, Australia, Spain, USA and Aotearoa/New Zealand. Rewi also specialised in deep water drilling operations, troubleshooting drilling in difficult wells, managing international crews, logistics and creating and implementing operational budgets. Other volunteer positions held were Chairman of the Board for the International Drilling Contractors Association of Australia, and Director on the Board for NSW Well Control School.

After many years away working internationally in the offshore Oil and Gas Industry, Rewi returns to Ngāi Tahu to represent Ōraka Aparima. His dedication, drive and hard work ethic led to a golden career in which his name and reputation proceed him, leading Rewi to still be sought after for Drilling Consultant Roles internationally today.

Rewi’s return home to Aotearoa brought him back to his roots as Te Ao Tūroa Environmental Pou Workstream Lead for Murihiku Regeneration. Murihiku Regeneration is a collaborative effort between the four southernmost Rūnaka. The Kaupapa of this project aligns with Rewi’s intention for Ngāi Tahu whānui – E hara taku toa, I te toa takitahi, he toa takitini, My strength is not as an individual but as a collective – collectively driving aspirations that will sustain a thriving, healthy environment for future generations while addressing cultural, social, and economic development.

Continuing his whānau legacy, Rewi’s goal is to mentor and support Ngāi Tahu rangatahi into educational and regeneration-based programmes in Murihiku. This mahi is to support Ngāi Tahu dreams and ambitions by creating pathways for our people whilst maintaining whakawhānaungatanga, manaakitanga, tohungatanga, kaitiiakitanga, tikanga and rangatiratanga.