Our Team
Gabrielle Huria is the Chief Executive of Te Kura Taka Pini – the Ngāi Tahu company set up to work strategically with freshwater in the Ngāi Tahu Takiwā/tribal area. Mahinga Kai (mutton birding, whitebaiting, eeling) is integral to Gabrielle’s world view, driving a commitment to improving water quality and quantity. She has an extensive background in governance and tribal development.
In addition to her role as Chief Executive, Gabrielle is a member of the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre Advisory Board. Prior to her current role, Gabrielle was Principal Advisor for Christchurch City Council, Chair of the University Digital Screen Advisory Board and the inaugural Chair of Emerge Aotearoa. In 2018 she received her MNZM for services to Māori and governance.
Tom has worked for Te Kura Taka Pini since its inception, developing a deep understanding of Māori–Crown relations, Treaty settlements, and Ngāi Tahu history. With a background in local government and research, Tom works across multiple workstreams, providing advice on novel and complex topics while also leading the Takutai Moana kaupapa. Submitting his PhD in early 2026, Tom brings together a blend of academic and practical experience to support Papatipu Rūnanga aspirations and advance the Ngāi Tahu rangatiratanga in freshwater strategy.
Jessica Riddell is the Chief Advisor (Legal and Policy) at Te Kura Taka Pini. An experienced lawyer specialising in resource management and local government law, Jessica brings deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory systems and shaping durable policy solutions. With a rural upbringing, Jessica has a grounded understanding of the central role freshwater plays in the wellbeing of local communities, economies, and ecosystems. Jessica also serves on several non-for-profit governance boards and community organisations.
Anne has experience across central government, local government, and iwi in freshwater management. She began her career in hydrological data analysis in Australia before moving into water allocation at a regional council in New Zealand. Since 2014, Anne has focused on Crown–Māori relationships and now leads work within TKTP’s science stream, helping to build a baseline understanding of freshwater health across the Ngāi Tahu Takiwā and supporting Papatipu Rūnanga to demonstrate rangatiratanga and achieve their freshwater aspirations.
Kirsty is from Christchurch, NZ and has whakapapa to Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Wairewa, Ōnuku and Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke - Rāpaki. Kirsty’s research interests relate to environmental psychology and ethics (BA double major Psychology and Philosophy). Kirsty’s expertise is in administration and project management (PRINCE2 methodology). Kirsty oversees business operations, systems, schedules, and workflows to support organisational performance of the TKTP work programme.
With a Master of Management and background in tertiary education and business, Suzanne has sound experience of policy, compliance and strategic management. She recently resigned from the role of Associate Dean at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology in Tauranga to relocate to Ōtautahi. Suzanne works closely with the team and CEO Gabrielle Huria, to ensure that project and administrative requirements are met, to support the kaupapa of TKTP.