Mana Whakatipu

In 1998, just as South Island tribe Ngai Tahu was about to sign its Treaty of Waitangi settlement with the government — justice of sorts after seven generations of seeking redress — a former foundryman stepped into the pivotal role of kaiwhakahaere or chair of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, the tribal council of Ngai Tahu, Mark Solomon stood at the head of his iwi at a pivotal moment and can be credited with the astute stewardship of the settlement that has today made Ngai Tahu a major player in the ec