Danny Tumahai appointed Museum Amorangi

Ko ngā kuri purepure o Tāmaki e kore e ngaro i te pō. 
Those of Tāmaki who lead in war and peace never rest_¹. 

Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum, has appointed Te Puna Danny Tumahai as Amorangi for the Museum - a role that honours his exceptional contributions and leadership within the Museum community. The appointment pays tribute to his long-standing dedication and support, both as chair and member of the Taumata-ā-Iwi (Auckland Museum's legislated Māori Advisory Committee), and a member of the Museum Trust Board. 

Danny has been involved with Tāmaki Paenga Hira for many decades, and along with Sir Hugh Kawharu and Rev Takutai Wikiriwhi provided significant support to iwi and the Museum in their engagement with each other, fulfilling kaitiakitanga duties on behalf of Ngāti Whātua.  

In 1996, Danny was appointed as the inaugural Chair of the newly established Taumata-ā-iwi and played a pivotal role in shaping the committee’s direction and purpose. In 2006, he succeeded Sir Hugh Kawharu as the Taumata's second appointee to the Museum Trust Board, carrying overall responsibility for alignment of Māori values at governance level. Succession and retirement planning saw Danny return as a Taumata-ā-Iwi member until his retirement in 2022. 

Danny's appointment as Amorangi is not only recognition and acknowledgement of his service to the Museum and the community it serves, but also provides an avenue for him to continue in his role as kaumātua for the Taumata-ā-Iwi and the Museum. The Amorangi title recognises a kaumātua and leader who is held in the highest regard by the Museum. 

Auckland Museum Chief Executive David Reeves says, “Danny’s guidance and support has been sought and valued over many years. His gentle nature and his wisdom have provided a dependable guiding hand to the Museum on a range of operational and philosophical matters. The Museum appoints Danny as Amorangi out of the deepest respect and in acknowledgement of his leadership and wisdom over the decades.” 

Taumata-ā-Iwi Chair Precious Clark says, “Uncle Danny has led Tāmaki Paenga Hira with wisdom, humility and aroha, creating an environment of kaitiakitanga for Māori culture, Māori staff and all taonga. The title of Amorangi is befitting of a man who has given exceptional service to the Museum over the last 5 decades.” 

Beyond his role at Auckland Museum, Danny is a nationally recognised kaumātua of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and has served as the kaumātua board member of the hapu's Tribal Development subsidiary, Whai Mai Ltd. His contributions have reached far and wide and he has advised government departments, including the Departments and Ministries of Courts, Corrections, Education, and Internal Affairs.  

Danny shares his birthday with the Museum’s 1929 building. On its pathway to 2029, Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum, honours the exceptional contribution and legacy of Te Puna Danny Tumahai, and is so grateful for his continued guidance as Amorangi.  

On accepting the role, Danny acknowledged those he has worked alongside at the Museum, “I look back at my time with Tāmaki Paenga Hira with pride at the many, many people I have learnt from. I will always treasure what they taught me because I was brought up a child of the village. That is what children of the village do, help others as much as you can.” 

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