Mark Solomon

Sir Mark Wiremu Solomon (born ) is a New Zealand Māori leader from the Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kurī (Kaikōura) iwi. He served as kaiwhakahaere (chairperson) of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the tribal council of Ngāi Tahu, for approximately 18 years, from 1998 until December 2016. His departure as tribal chair followed his decision in April 2016 not to seek re-election as the tribal representative for Kaikōura. Solomon continues to act in various directorship roles including as chair of the Canterbury District Health Board.

Personal life Solomon was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. His mother was of English and Danish descent, and his father was Māori, affiliated to the Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kurī iwi.

Solomon has been married to Maria since about 1974 and has four grown-up children. He is an uncle of New Zealand cricketer Shane Bond.

Career For over 20 years, Solomon was a foundry metal worker.

In 1995, he was elected to Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu as the local representative for Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura, a position which he held till February 2016.

In the 2013 New Year Honours, Solomon was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Māori and business.