David Perenara-O'Connell

David Perenara-O'Connell is an experienced professional currently serving as Director at Tāwhaki Joint Venture since July 2021 and as the Te Taumutu Rūnanga Representative for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu since September 2013. In addition, David holds the position of Te Pou Herenga at Environment Canterbury and has been a Trustee for Untouched World Charitable Trust since December 2009. David's past roles include Treasurer for Te Taumutu Rūnanga, Representative for the Land and Water Forum, and General Manager of Tribal Interests at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Education includes a degree in Māori from the University of Canterbury and a brief study at Stanford University in 2006. David's extensive experience spans various aspects of environmental management, community development, and Māori governance.