Kaupapa Taiao

Riki Parata.Riki Parata - Kaiārihi Taiao | Taiao Mātauranga Māori Advisor

Riki’s knowledge and leadership skills make him an invaluable asset, not only to Kaupapa Taiao, but to the Hokonui Rūnanga and its wider takiwā. Riki has both a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management and a master’s degree in Environmental Science.

After completing his studies, Riki decided to return to his roots in Māruawai, Gore, starting work at the Hokonui Rūnanga. It was here that he quickly developed the catchphrase “let’s make it happen” – and that he has. His driving passion for the environment and ability to think outside of the box allowed Riki to establish the Hokonui Rūnanga Kaupapa Taiao in 2020.

Murihiku ki te Tonga

Riki Nicholas.Riki Nicholas - Programme Director

Riki has been leading Murihiku ki te Tonga since 2022 and led the first Ngāi Tahu and Iwi Science Expedition to Antarctica in early 2023 on the Heritage Adventurer.

Riki is a member of Hokonui Rūnanga and has a career spanning a range of sectors and roles, including in the primary sector, around supervisory, governance and leadership roles. Riki has held roles with Te Rūnanga o Ngai Tahu and worked across a range of programme and commercial project areas. He is a very experienced mariner, having operated vessels in the Southern Ocean for many years.

Riki has aspirations to protect and enhance Ngāi Tahu rights and marine interests and is very passionate about developing the next generations. He sees his Murihiku ki te Tonga work offering future pathways and opportunities across research, science, innovation, commercial and the blue economy in Te Moana tāpokopoko -a-Tawhaki (the Southern Ocean).