Rob Hewitt (Ngati Kahungunu) resides in Ashhurst in the Manawatu and has 4 adult children and 2 Mokopuna.
Rob has supported many marae and rōpu in their aspirations to uplift their own capacity and capability around the North Island. He is a Pou Tuarā for Coastal People: Southern Skies, helping support community anchor sites in Te Ika-a-Māui.
Rob is also a Regional Coordinator at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi where he supports marae and hapu based learning in the Te Waharoa and Te Pou Hono programmes. As an ambassador and kaihautū for Water Safety NZ and the Wai Ora leadership, Rob works with members of the Water Safety sector and supports their journey into Te Ao Maori. Rob also worked with Ministry of Transport to look at Haumaru Tangata Ki Uta Ki Tai (Strengthened connection for wellbeing) within the Recreational Search and Rescue sector.
He is also a member of the Mai Paritu tae atu ki Turakirae Fisheries which looks at support for Māori customary fishing – Ngā tikanga hī ika Māori tuku iho. He has also worked as a Kaiako for the Customary Fishing and Te Wai Maori programmes. Through his mahi he has worked with a number of people and groups across the country.
For several years Rob has been a committee member on Lottery Committees at Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
Rob supports Boating education and Dive programs on marae thru out Aotearoa prior to which he spent 20 years in the Royal New Zealand Navy.