ABOUT SUMMIT MEMBERS
Hillary Summit:Mark Solomon Mark Solomon is of Ngai Tahu and Kati Kuri descent, and is from the small Maori community of Kaikoura on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. His people have lived there for many generations, and in recent times have been instrumental in the development of the town’s highly successful and internationally recognised eco-tourism whale watching business. Mark is the elected chairman of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, Ngai Tahu’s tribal council, a position he has held since 1998. In the last 15 years the tribal authority has grown its asset base from almost nothing to over NZ$500 million, with investments spanning the property, fisheries and tourism sectors. It has become an economic powerhouse and is recognised internationally as a leader in indigenous economic, social and cultural development. Mark has 24 years experience as a production manager in the metals industry learning his leadership qualities on the shop floor and honing them working for his Kaikoura Runanga (local tribal council) since 1988. He has contributed to his community in many capacities, ranging from roles as a trustee of Takahanga Marae (traditional community centre) to the local School Board to his position on the board of the Museum of New Zealand: Te Papa Tongarewa, a position he has held since 2001. Mark believes a true rangatira (leader) is a servant of the people and reflects this in his ambition to bring unity among Maori. Ko te kai a te rangatira he korero Speech is the sustenance of leaders |
