Pita Tipene (born ) is a New Zealand politician and Māori leader. He has served as the chair of the Northland Regional Council since 5 November 2025. Prior to this he had served for seven years as the chair of the Waitangi National Trust. He was made a Companion of the King's Service Order in June 2025 for his 30 years of service to Māori.
Early life Tipene grew up in Motatau, Northland, as the ninth of eleven children.
Northland Regional Council chairmanship Following his election to the Northland Regional Council, Tipene was elected as the new chair at the inaugural council meeting. He defeated incumbent chair Geoff Crawford 5-to-3.
In February 2026, Tipene called on Cabinet Ministers to stop making "derogatory" comments about local councils.
Electoral history Northland Regional Council 2025 Te Raki Māori constituency election
References