Lisa Tumahai

Lisa Tumahai (; born 1966) is a New Zealand iwi leader. She was the first female kaiwhakahaere (chairperson) of Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu from 2016 to 2023.

Her other professional governance appointments include deputy chair of the Climate Change Commission, member of the University of Canterbury council, and member of the Environmental Protection Authority board.

Early life and education Tumahai is Māori and affiliates to the Ngāi Tahu, Tainui, Ngāti Hikairo, and Ngāti Kahungunui iwi. She is the fifth of six children, and was born in 1966; her parents were living in Bishopdale in Christchurch at the time. Tumahai left school with no qualifications, and worked in sewing factories and hospitality before taking a tourism course, followed by an administrative job.

Professional governance career Tumahai spent five years as deputy chair of Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu before being appointed interim chair in 2016, taking over from Mark Solomon. She was the representative for Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae, having been elected to that role in 2003. Tumahai was the first female chair of the runanga, and served for six years. The runanga represents 70,000 people and manages over $1.8 billion of assets.

Tumahai serves on the University of Canterbury council and the Waitangi National Trust and Development West Coast. She has also been on the board of the health and social services provider Te Poutini Waiora. She was acting chair for a brief period between the departure of Rod Carr and commencement of Patsy Reddy's term as chair. In May 2026 she joined the Environmental Protection Authority board.

Personal life and family Tumahai is married with three children, and lives in Hokitika, on the West Coast of New Zealand.