Derek Richards a past Otago Marine Science MSc graduate and member of the TMK team has returned to Dunedin to start a new job working with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu as a Senior Environmental Advisor (Mahinga Kai Monitoring and Enhancement).

The key tasks of the role are to redevelop and implement monitoring, compliance and education programmes for customary fisheries management and to administer and maintain Mahinga Kai Regional Forums. Derek will be part of a team based in Dunedin that aims to implement a monitoring framework for tribally significant Mahinga Kai Areas within the Ngāi Tahu Takiwā (tribal area). Fulfilling these responsibilities requires working closely with the 18 Ngā Papatipu Rūnanga and their respective Tangata Tiaki/ Kaitiaki.