Jessica Kereama, Indigenous Planning Practitioner, Taiao Raukawa Trust- River Values Project Co-ordinator

Jessica Kereama
Indigenous Planning Practitioner, Taiao Raukawa Trust- River Values Project Co-ordinator

Jessica Kereama is from Ngati Manomano, a hapū which are part of the confederation of Ngāti Raukawa.  She also links to Rangitane ki Wairau through her Ngati Kuia side and Maniapoto and Ngati Toa.  Through her mother she is half Malaysian Chinese. She identifies herself as an indigenous practitioner with experience in many fields including MSD audit and investigations, policy development, education, research, and environmental work through the Department of Conservation and the Taia o Raukawa.    

Through a Te Pumanawa Hauora (Massey University) and Purehuroa Scholarship  (Otago University) she completed a Masters in Regional Planning and Resource Management from Massey University in 2012.  She also has completed a Bachelor of Social Work from Massey University (2000) and quality assurance auditing and ISO 9001/2 qualifications.

She has extensive experience working within Central Government teams or in jobs dedicated to increasing engagement with iwi māori.  This portfolio has afforded Jessica an in-depth insight and experience into the complexities of Treaty partner engagement as a māori  agent of the Crown.  In contrast Jessica has also worked in a voluntary capacity for her marae, hapū, and iwi many years across a broad range of issues including environmental, local government and educational issues.

Her loves of her life are her family.  She loves singing, dancing, and her children think she should be on Master Chef for cooking.  Other loves include an absolute love for her people, the sustainability and protection of the environment for all.    

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