Career Profiles
| Careers | Environmental Sciences | Earth & Ocean Sciences |
Pou Takawaenga
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Name: Stella August
Employer:Ministry of Fisheries
Vocation:Pou Takawaenga
Degrees: Masters of Science
Subjects: Marine and Freshwater Biology
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Communicating customary fisheries to iwi and hapu
Stella August has had a love and respect for Tangaroa (God of the seas) since childhood, and studying science has only enhanced this interest and led Stella to her role as a Pou Takawaenga with the Extension Services Team at the Ministry of Fisheries.
The role of Pou Takawaenga started at the Ministry in May 2005. The Team is employed to support the work of kaitiaki, hapu and the Iwi Regional Forums, which are established by the Ministry’s Pou Hononga Team.
Completing a Masters of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology, Stella uses her scientific knowledge to explain to hapu and iwi the scientific aspects of customary fisheries and its management. Stella also works to ensure that the iwi and hapu she works with understand the fisheries management tools available to them.
“I work with hapu and iwi on the lower east coast of the North Island from Paritu near Mahia, to Turakirae just North of Wellington” says Stella, “My job encompasses a variety of duties, but my main roles involve the customary tools, management plans, and customary research.”
Stella’s role also includes assisting the iwi and hapu that make up the Iwi Regional Forum to achieve their fisheries management objectives, and also monitor the effectiveness of these objectives.
“In my job, I am learning something new everyday” enthuses Stella, “I enjoy building relationships with hapu and iwi, and working to benefit our people and customary fisheries.”
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