Bill Tiopira

Dedicated forestry professional with extensive experience in sustainable forest management and fire management. Proven track record in upskilling diverse ākonga through tailored curriculum development and community engagement, ensuring effective training for industry professionals and external organizations.

• Upheld my responsibility to Te Tiriti Waitangi by engaging with Māori communities respectfully, incorporating tikanga Māori into my mahi and personal practices, and committing to a journey of learning about Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti principles.
• Contributed to the success of numerous forestry students over the past 17 years, fostering their growth and expertise in the field.
• Facilitated collaboration with a diverse array of external stakeholders, including scientists, transport technicians, and pest management groups, primarily in the Rotorua, Omataroa, and Whakatāne regions.
• Championed and implemented robust health and safety practices within forest operations to ensure a safe working environment.
• Delivered specialized courses on 'Working Safely at Vegetation Fire,' enhancing participants' knowledge and preparedness.
• Managed and responded to over a hundred fire incidents in Rotoaira and Kaingaroa Forest during the 1970s and 1980s, demonstrating effective crisis management.
• Instructed army engineers in tree felling and hazardous chainsaw operations from 2017 to 2019, primarily in Rotorua and Ōpōtiki, enhancing their skills and safety awareness.

• Undertook kai kōrero responsibilities on the manuhiri side at Toi Ohomai, ensuring appropriate representation and upholding tikanga when manuhiri did not have a speaker.
• Delivered Taiao education sessions to kura in Wairoa, supporting rangatahi learning through practical, culturally grounded teaching.
• Carried out ministerial and marae support duties, contributing to the wellbeing and smooth running of marae-based kaupapa.
• Provided whaikōrero and ministerial support across other marae, including Waiteti Marae, demonstrating leadership, cultural competence, and service to whānau and community.