Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Waikato

Dip (Te Reo), Dip (Maori Governance), LLB, LLM, MInstd

Te Rika is an experienced leader with expertise in strategy, governance, and sustainability. He has a deep passion for empowering future generations and has built a professional career grounded in service to his people, hāpori, and the wider public.

A proud alumnus of the University of Waikato, Te Rika holds a Bachelor of Laws (Double Major in Law and Māori Studies) and a Master of Laws (Specialisation in Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Peoples Law).

For the past three years, Te Rika has worked in the public sector as a Senior Regional Advisor at Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry for Māori Development), leading regionally significant projects focused on community and economic development. Prior to this, he was Head of Programme Design and Delivery at Tuaropaki, where he led transformative initiatives for the $1.2 billion Māori trust.

Te Rika also contributes his expertise through a range of governance and advisory roles. He currently serves as a District Councillor for Rotorua Lakes Council, Deputy Chair of FENZ Bay of Plenty (LAC), Trustee for Toi Matarua Charitable Indigenous Research Centre (Hawke’s Bay), Global Advisory Councillor for the LEGO Foundation, Tribal Delegate to the Manawarū Tribal Authority, and Trustee for both Uwhiārae Marae and Ngāi Te Paena–Ngāti Kuri Hapū. In previous years, he has held roles including Chair of Te Pāti Māori ki Te Arawa and Board Observer for both Toi Kai Rawa (Māori Economic Development Agency, BoP) and the Institute of Directors Bay of Plenty Committee.

As Chief Executive of Te Puna Ariki, Te Rika leads with a clear vision to empower excellence and innovation. He oversees the operational, financial, and cultural wellbeing of the organisation, ensuring its sustainability and alignment with kaupapa Māori values and the aspirations of rangatahi, whānau, hapū, and iwi.