Kuni Oketopa Shepherd

 

 

Kuni Shepherd is the Kaumatua for Te Korowai-Whāriki and is also a member of the Mental Health Kaunihera.  Kuni, along with his colleague Areta Koopu, the Whaea, are responsible for the Maori component of the service.  Kuni provides support, guidance and direction to the Executive Director (Operations) and other management staff on Maori protocol and is also a mentor to the many Maori (and non-Maori clients) who attend programmes at Ruamoko.  Kuni is a respected member of the wider community.

 He has tribal affiliations to Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Ngati Kahu, Ngati Porou, Whakatohea, and Ngai-Te-Rangi.