Kura Rere - Candidates 2023
Election of SIX (6) Trustees
Disclaimer Statement: Each candidate profile has been provided by the applicable candidate. Te Nehenehenui and the Returning Officer accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the content, contained in each candidate profile statement.
BREARS Christine Arihia
Te Iwi: Ko Ngāti Maniapoto Te iwi
Ko Maniaroa, Napinapi, me Mokau Kohunui nga Marae
Ko Puketapu me Kahuwera nga maunga
Ko Mokau Te awa mihi tangata
Ko Tainui te waka i kawea mai e nga tupuna
Ko Ngahiwi raua ko Te Huinga Batley oku maatua.
Ko Taniaora Wharauroa raua ko Maemaeroa me
Pairama Te Keepa raua ko Riria Patoka oku Tupuna
Tenei au e mihi nei ki a koutou
I have been Tumuaki Whakahaere of Taumarunui Community Kokiri Trust for more than 25 years. Through forward focused leadership, and strategic initiative, I have advanced the social wellbeing capability of Maori through a lens which understands that everything is interconnected, and nothing exists in isolation of and by itself.
Our achievements are a testament of what I believe is what a wahine of Maniapoto can and should do. I am a firm believer in less talk and more walk.
In closing, nothing is more important to me than supporting Te Iwi Whānui O Maniapoto to determine our own destiny by listening to the voice of our people and empowering them to act upon their choices.
Mahia te mahi hei painga mo te iwi
To view CV – Click here
DOUGLAS Peter Te Matakahere
I am from Ngati Uekaha in Waitomo where I am involved in its affairs. My wife Hera is from Te Kauae Marae. We have two adult sons Uekaha and Kohu. My mother Rahera served three terms on the Maniapoto Trust Board and was Chair. My father-in-law Bob Koroheke also served on the Board.
I was educated at Hato Petera College, Waikato University (B.Soc.Sci) and Harvard University where I gained a Master’s degree (MPA).
I first worked as a social worker, and eventually worked at the highest levels of government. I was Chief Executive of Te Ohu Kaimoana for twelve years transferring $700 million in assets to iwi and overseeing our Maori fishing companies’ performance.
I chair the Ruapuha Uekaha Trust. I chaired the board of Hato Paora College, Te Kohanga Reo o Te Herenga Waka and served 9 years on two District Health Boards: Capital & Coast and Hutt Valley.
I was a negotiator for the Maniapoto settlement. A new organisation must establish itself and plan for its future. This means consolidating our assets and setting out on a sensible path with a long-term plan for our children and grandchildren’s success.
To view CV – Click here
HOUPAPA Kia
Ko Hikurangi te maunga aroha, Ko Tuhua te maunga tupuna
Ko Kaitupeka te Marae
Ko Ngati Maniapoto tōku iwi
Kia Houpapa tōku ingoa.I whakapapa to many Maniapoto hapū and marae.
Currently a Senior Government Advisor where analytical and organisational skills are necessary in delivering quality work under pressure. I’ve worked inside 11 government departments and private secretary for six Cabinet Ministers. I have worked for the UN, for international community programmes (like Ship for World Youth, Commonwealth Youth Programme). I have helped other iwi when I was General Manager for Ngai Tahu’s Taumutu Rūnanga but not yet my own. Living in Wellington but still want to help and contribute.
I “get stuff done” and face challenges with positivity, determination and persistence. Current economic uncertainties need leaders to assume a degree of risk. An experienced trustee and businessman and member of the Institute of Directors.
Strengths:
• An investigative mind and excellent problem-solving abilities;
• An ability to keep calm under fire;
• The humility to know that the best solutions can come from anyone;
Justice of the Peace
Five undergraduate degrees and three Master’s degrees in Education, Social Work & Executive MBA
Personal Interests- Whānau, Kapahaka, Te Taiao, General Knowledge & Sports
MCCLINTOCK Kahu
I te Whare o Waiwaia oku tupuna ko Hinewai
raatou ko Urunumia, ko Paretekawa
I te Whare ki
– Mōkau ki Runga; oku tupuna ko Waiora
raatou ko Wahanui, ko Kurukuru ko
Paretekawa.
– Tokanganui a Noho; oku tuupuna ko
Pairama raaua ko Kurukuru Tiemi
Ngaa Mahi Ngaakau
Rangitakina Kahu Kurukuru Whenua Trust (Pio Pio)
Tokanui Pokuru AgResearch (Crown offer)
Te Mauri o Maniapoto – Kaumaatua
Ngaati Maniapoto Ope Taua 1914 – 1918 Research (Te Whare
Taonga o Otorohanga & Te Kuiti Pa)
Waahine Maaori Toko i te Ora – Ka Puta Ka Ora (Kirikiriroa)
Fauna
– Hochstetter Frog (Purerora/ Pirongia)
– Pekapeka (short/longtail) (Pureora/Kirikiriroa)
Tuuranga Mahi
2023 Principal Investigator Ngati Maniapoto COVID-19 Research
Ngaati Maniapoto MPT
Qualifications
2010 Doctor of Philosophy (Psychiatry) Auckland University
2006 Master of Philosophy (Maaori) Massey University
1999 Bachelor of Education Massey University
Governance
2023 Ngaati Apakura Runanga Trust
2016 – 2022 Iwi Maaori Council Waikato District Health Board
2006 – 2015 Kauhanganui Whakakitenga Waikato Tainui Iwi
Council
Te Nehenehenui Future Responsibilities
Orakau/Rangiaowhia Return & Governance development.
Hauora strategic development
– Iwi Partnership Board Whatu Ora
Locality consultation
Henry Rongomau Bennett Mental Health & Addiction Rebuild
Matauranga strategic development
– Taonga tuku iho, whenua, awa, reo
MOSS Luke
He mokopuna tēnei o Te Kawau Mārō, Ko Te Piruru Papakāinga, Te Kūiti Pā, me Mōkau Kohunui ngā Marae. I tupu ake au i raro i te korowai o Ngāti Rora, Ko Luke Moss tōku ingoa.
Occupation:
• Project leader International Indigenous development – Waikato University
Qualifications:
• Masters Māori and Indigenous Development
• Bachelor Media and Creative Technologies
• Diploma Te Reo Māori (Te Tohu Paetahi)
Governance Experience:
• Rangatahi Representative -Te Piruru
• Trustee – Mental Health Foundation
• Trustee – Te Nehenehenui
• Trustee – Te Reo Irirangi o Maniapoto
• Member – Te Mana o te Taiao
• Member – Te Nehenehenui Group Investments
• Representative – Rangatahi National Iwi Chairs
Candidate Statement:
Born and raised in Te Kūiti Luke affiliates to Ngāti Rora and Ngāti Waiora. In his current role as a Trustee for the Te Nehenehenui Establishment Board, Luke has led and developed our first Maniapoto Rangatahi Wānanga. Furthermore, he specialises in Indigenous connection having previously led Maniapoto uri to engage with Indigenous communities throughout the world. Luke wishes to continue to develop Rangatahi leadership, be the voice for our youth, and provide the best outcomes for the future of our iwi.
To view CV – Click here
NIKORA Dean
Ko Kakepuku te maunga
Ko Waipā te awa
Ko Ngāti Maniapoto me Ngāti Tama te Tau Ihu oku iwi
Ko Kaputuhi te marae
Ko Dean Nikora taku ingoa
Dean is an accomplished Trustee with expertise in governance, leadership, and commerce. His diverse governance experience spans agribusiness, private, co-operative, and state-owned companies, providing invaluable insights for strategic direction and risk management to safeguard the iwi’s assets.
Dean’s business portfolio includes commercial property, dairy, pork, pip fruit production and tourism. His proven ability to manage and lead these enterprises adds value to the Trust’s commercial activities, aligned with its purpose.
As a previous winner of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy Competition, Dean’s excellence in Māori agribusiness is evident. Since 2012, he has served as Chief Judge for the Dairy category, contributing to its growth.
Committed to serving Ngāti Maniapoto, Dean dedicates his time as a Trustee, alongside enjoying outdoor pursuits with whānau including hunting, fishing, diving, golf and participating in Iron Māori.
Your vote and support will empower Dean to drive progress within the Trust, honouring the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto. With his leadership, governance, and commercial acumen, Dean is looking forward to making a positive impact for current and future generations.
To view CV – Click here
ORMSBY Gannin
Ko Pukewhārangi te papakainga
Ko Manga-o-Kewa e rere ana
Ko Te Kūiti Pā
Ko Ngāti Rōra te hapū
Ko Gannin Ormsby tāku ingoa
Strategic Advisor
Community Resilience
Waikato District Council
12-year military service British Army
20 years’ experience operational knowledge with local and central government.
10 years governance experience
I am seeking support from whānau to be elected as a Kura Rere representative for Te Nehenehenui. I am motivated to support the next phase of Maniapoto’s development journey to invest in our people, our whānau, marae and hapū, strengthen our role as kaitiaki and ensure that we are economically capable of achieving our goals to be a strong and prosperous iwi. We need to learn from other iwi, so we don’t repeat the same mistakes. We must strengthen our relationships with other Iwi, Local and Central Government and community organisations to help achieve our goals. The blueprint for our success relies on growing our confidence as Ngāti Maniapoto which means investing in our language, culture, and identity. No matter where we live in the motu or around the world, our success relies on working together towards a shared vision. I’m proud growing up knowing that “he iwi manaaki a Maniapoto”.
To view CV – Click here
PEHIKINO Rangianiwaniwa
Kia ora
My name is Rangianiwaniwa Pehikino and I affiliated to Te Ihingarangi and Waimiha Marae.
My hapu is Turakiwai.
My current employment does not reflect the governance work I have undertaken both locally, regionally, and nationally. A lot of my governance work has been with the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges where I was Co-Chair Maori and represented at an international level, I represented at a regional level covering the central region. I was also Chair for a term and trustee and advocate for Waiariki Women’s Refuge for over 20 years.
Chair and licensee for Tuporotuhikiterangi Kohanga Reo and Board of Trustee for Malfroy Primary School.
Trustee for Waimiha Marae and am a current Trustee for Te Ihingarangi Iwi Trust. I currently hold portfolio of te taio, Te Kopuka, and Te ripo seat for Te Ihingarangi and also liaise with Horizon’s. I support the consent work for waterways and lands within the Te Ihingarangi boundary.
My personal interests are taking time for my whanau supporting where and when I can.
It will be an honor to represent to the best of my ability with integrity, humbleness, and privilege to work for our people.
Nga mihi
Rangianiwaniwa Pehikino
RUWHIU-HAUPOKIA Raukura Naomi
Ko Kakepuku te maunga, ko Tiakitia te hiwi.
Ko Waipa me Mangatea ngaa awa.
Ko Te Kotahitanga me Mootiti ngaa marae.
Ko Ngaati Urunumia, ko Ngaati Te Puta-i-te-Muri ngaa hapuu.
Community Involvement
Kei ngaa kura kaupapa Maaori me ngaa wharekura ahaue mahi ana, ki Waikato me Te Nehenehenui.
Ka haere maatou ko ngaaku mokopuna ki ngaaKoroneihana.
E ngakau nui ana ki ngaa waananga rongoaa me ngaawaananga kura reo.
He kaitaakaro ahau ki ngaa keemu o Maniapoto meTainui.
Personal Interests
Ko ngaaku mokopuna tooku ao.
He pai ki au te mahi toi.
E ngakau nui ana ki te taakaro poituukohu, poitarawhiti me te poiuka.
Candidate Statement
I tipu ake au i ngaa rekereke o tooku ruuruhi, naanaahau i poipoi, i whakatoo ngaa tikanga aa kui aa koromaa, noo reira, together WE can create a sustainable environment for OUR kaumaatua and uri whakatipu and be supportive advocates alongside them.
As a kaiako a passion of mine would be to part-take in the education portfolio “Waikahika”, working alongside OUR whaanau to contribute to the aspirations of OUR piiori.
“Whanake aku nei kupu whakamiha, whanake aku nei kupu whakatiketike”
To view CV – Click here
SEARANCKE Mihirawhiti
Pepeha: Ko Pirongia me Rangitoto nga maunga; ko Waipa me Maunga o Kewa nga awa; ko Rangituatahi me Hariata, me Ripekatangi, me Rangihurihia me Tautapa ngaa mareikura; ko Ngati Maniapoto te iwi.
Ko Mihirawhiti Searancke ahau,
Occupation: Tribal historian
Current Qualifications: I have lived and worked in the domain of tribal history for over four decades and my most recent contribution was as a claimant in the Te Rohe Potae inquiry. Last week the Waitangi Tribunal released “Te Mana Whatu Ahuru”. I have a copy and this is my homework.
My focus during the inquiry was centred on an argument that the Crown’s methodology in silencing the voice of our ancestral mothers was a crippling and unjust one.
As your trustee: I will bring to the table a distinctly female voice unshaken by the trauma of yesteryears. It is time for a positive direction and words such as integrity of mind or transparency are active ones. My community contributions are numerous #manaakitangitanga #kaitiakitanga #tuturuTainuiwaka
Personal Interests: Studied law; computer graphics therefore AI or artificial intelligence is on my horizon. Te Nehenehenui Trust is a vehicle exposed to digital economics and our data is a sovereign issue. #HeWhakaputanga #TeTiritiOWaitangi www.facebook.com/mihirawhiti
TAITUHA Lee
Whakapono – Faith, Honesty, Trust
Rire rire hau, Paimārire. Taku kawenata ki Te Nehenehenui.
I Lee Allan Taituha do solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.
Whakapapa
Hoturoa, Hotuope, Hotumatapū, Mōtai, Ue, Rakamaomao, Kakati, Tāwhao, Tūrongo, Raukawa, Rereahu, Kinohaku. Ko Oparure te Marae.
I am a former Research Scientist (B.Sc, M.Sc hons), CEO, Technology Institute Director, Dean & Head of School, Lecturer in Environmental Science, Economics & Accounting, Business Owner and Police Officer.
Mana Motuhake – Te Kawenata o te Nehenehenui
With your Vote, we can advance unanimous agreement to:
1. Reduce our living costs by reforming Te Peeke o Aotearoa (Est 1886 by Kīngi Tāwhiao) with Interest Free Loans for Individuals ($10,000), Whānau ($200,000) and Marae ($1,000,000).
2. Raise our living standards with a Job Guarantee and Minimum Wage of $75,000 and guaranteed Kaumatua Pension of $75,000.
3. Grow our own way by building Te Whare Wānanga o Te Nehenehenui including Fees Free Training (Youth Military & Police Academy) and Research Priorities of Cultural and Practical Significance including our Hītori, Karakia, Whaikōrero, Karanga, Pātaka Kai, Rongoā Māori, Disease & Pandemic Prevention, Finance, Marae Construction, Whenua/River Restoration and Sustainable Energy Technologies.
To view CV – Click here
TAINUI-VINE Ann-Maria
Pepeha
Ko Ann-Maria Vine tōku ingoa,
Ko Rangitoto tōku maunga, ko Waipa, tōku awa
Ko Te Ahoroa tōku Marae
Ko Ngāti Maniapoto ngā iwi, ko Rereahu iwi, ko Paretapata ngā hapu.
Iwi and Hapu:
Ko Nga Maniapoto / Rereahu Iwi, raua ko Nga Rereahu te Hapu.
Occupation:
Probation Officer
Current Qualifications
Diploma in Adult Teaching and Small Business
Officer of the Court
Continued studies with Te Reo
Project Management in the Community
Personal Interests:
Sport, Gardening and whanau
Community Involvement:
Te Ahoroa Marae Chairperson,
Trustee for Maniapoto Marae PAC Trust
Statement
Successfully raised a half a million dollars and project managed the rebuilding of our Wharenui and Dining Room compliant to required building codes.
Member of the Regional Management Committee with Te Tokanganui A Noho and Maniapoto Marae PAC Trust.
Relate well to people at grass roots level and those experiencing difficulties with the Justice System.
As Trustee my goal is to engage with whanau to improve their quality of life, through better housing, education, health, and employment, and to enhance the lives of Maniapoto so we can all prosper and thrive.
I would be proud to represent the Iwi of Maniapoto on Te Nehenehenui Trust Board.
To view CV – Click here
TAKIARI-BRAME Bella
E te Iwi, Tēnā Tātou, i te taha o tōku pāpā, ko Aterea Takiari (Dovey), nō Kāwhia Moana, me Mokau ki runga, i te taha o tōku whaea Ko Atiria Takiari (nee McNaught), nō Ngāti Rōra ahau.
I am the current Chair of the Establishment Board of Te Nehenehenui and have previously served three terms with Maniapoto Māori Trust Board.
I have held executive finance roles in the Energy and Utilities industries in the UK and NZ, and I am now a full time professional Director. My additional governance roles include Chair of The Lines Company, Board member on ACC, Director on Te Ohu Kai Moana, Crown Infrastructure Partners, New Zealand Health Investments Ltd and Braemar Hospital.
I have a Masters in Management Studies with distinction (MMS) from Waikato University, I am a Fellow Chartered Accountant with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and a Chartered member of the Institute of Directors New Zealand.
I was born in Te Kūiti, grew up in Māhoenui and attended secondary school in Piopio. I am married to Lui Brame (Te Rarawa and Samoa) and have 3 tamariki.
TANE Wikitoria
Tēnā Koutou. My name is Wikitōria Tāne.
I am of Maniapoto and Ruanui descent. My hapū affiliations are Urunumia, Apakura, Uekaha and Unu. I am a Rōpu Whakahaere rep for Te Kotahitanga Marae in Te Whare o Waiwaiā.
I have worked across the Maniapoto, Waipā and Waikato regions and was a former employee of the Maniapoto Māori Trust Board and Waikato-Tainui.
I’m a current trustee on Te Nehenehenui Trust, Waihikurangi Trust, Ruapuha Uekaha Hapū Trust and Iwi appointee to the Waikato River Authority. My governance experience spans approximately 30 years and includes Māori Land Blocks, Māori Land Incorporations, Hapū and Iwi representation.
I was Nehenehenui RMC rep for 8 years.
I work primarily in taiao restoration and protection and I’m a fierce advocate for whānau, hapū and iwi mana motuhake.
I influence councils toward change for the betterment of its iwi constituents, manawhenua representation, taiao and in RMA matters.
I’m Managing Director of Manukarere Ltd and Co-Owner/Co-Director of Trust Waiwaiā Ltd.
I believe I have made an important contribution to the former Maniapoto Māori Trust Board, and currently Te Nehenehenui Trust and Waihikurangi Trust. I would appreciate your vote to continue as a trustee on Te Nehenehenui Trust.
Ngā mihi
TAPU Mary
Ko Tamakaiuru ki te rangi
Ko rereahu ki te whenua
Mai Rangitoto ki Tuhuna
Ko te Pureora o Kahu te maunga
Ko Waimiha te awa
Ko Mangapaeehi te pa
Ko Tuwhakahekaeao te hapū
Ko Rereahu te iwi
Ko Mary Tapu tooku ingoa
E ngā mana
E ngaa karangaranga maha
Mai ngaa toopito o Rereahu otira ngaa huanga katoa o Te Nehenehenui
a kura tau rep for Te Whare o Rereahu and been nominated also for kura rere.
Acknowledge those past and present, to accept the nominations to Kura Rere (General Elections) nominee, as a current trustee of Mangapehi i also acknowledge my Marae, their guidance for me to go forward to Kura Tau, within Te Whare ki Rereahu.
Building infrastructure on Mangapehi, improving facilities has kept me grounded on our Marae, the process is simple when we all move together united. When keeping our future generations in mind collectively the formula becomes simple.
TUWHANGAI Rachael
M.Ed, M.ProfSt (LangTch)
Tēnā koutou katoa. Ko Pirongia te Maunga, ko Kāwhia te Moana, ko Ngā- Apakura rāua ko Ngā- Hikairo ngā hapū.
Ko Mōkai Kainga te marae.
I was raised and educated in Ōtorohanga and completed qualifications at the Universities of Waikato and Auckland.
I now live and work between Auckland and Kāwhia.
I am a former University Lecturer and Prison Education Manager. I am now Co-Director of MAPSS (Māori and Pasifika Support Services.) We focus on improving social, cultural and educational outcomes.
Current work: Professional Development of Teachers and School Boards of Trustees, Building New Schools and Government Research.
Focus areas: Education, Reo Māori, welfare of Kaumātua, Tamariki and Rangatahi including those in State Care, and in Prison. I’m also a keen supporter of rangatahi sport.
Current Directorships: Te Nehenehenui and Ahuahu Trust Boards, Google Education Advisory Board, Education New Zealand, The Auckland Museum, VOYCE: Whakarongo mai, Pacific Co-orporation Foundation; Presbytarian Support Northern, the Waikeria Operating Model Governance Board with the Department of Corrections and the Iwi Affiliation Data Decision Making Group with the Department of Internal Affairs.
It would be an honour to continue to serve our iwi on the Te Nehenehenui Trust Board.
WETERE Kruger Arepa
Nō konei, Tainui Waka,
Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Hikairo
Tēnei taha, Ngāti Apakura, Ngāti Rora, Ngāti Kinohaku
He tamaiti nā Koro Tainui Wetere rāua ko Nedracita Takuora Wetere (nee Edwards)
Kruger was born and grew up in Te Kūiti and Kawhia, attending school there, later Otorohanga College and St. Stephens in Auckland. He studied Management at Waikato & Auckland University. Kruger has 25 years of working in Government and Corporate Finance, currently for Crown agency – Callaghan Innovation as a Māori Business & Relationship Manager, working with Iwi, Trusts, Incorporations, māori businesses, and government agencies.
He holds a company directors’ certificate from the Institute of Directors of NZ (MInstD)
With a financial and investment background, he serves on the Group Investment Committee and formerly sat on Te Kūpenga o Maniapoto as a Director and Audit & Risk committee. Kruger is the NZ Police/Iwi Forum liaison for the Trust.
Kruger is also a Trustee on Te Kūiti Pa and a Te Whakakitenga o Waikato Incorporated representative.
He is married to Karma, with four children, 16 mokopuna.
“Mahia te mahi, hei painga mo te iwi. Manaakitia te iwi, whangaingia te tangata. Kia mau ki te aroha, me te rangimarie.”, – Te Puea Herangi.