Māori Development Minister, Tama Potaka, has today confirmed seven new appointments to key Māori entities.
“The governance roles announced today will help advance te reo Māori revitalisation, strengthen the Waitangi Tribunal, and realise the social and economic potential of Māori. This benefits Māori and everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Mr Potaka.
The entities and appointments are:
Te Mātāwai
- Dr Te Rina Warren (Ngāti Whitikaupeka, Rangitāne, Ngāti Matakore) as a member for a three-year term. Dr Warren is a senior lecturer at Te Pūtahi-a-Toi, Massey University, specialising in Māori and Indigenous education.
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori
- Mahanga Pihama (Waikato, Taranaki Iwi, Ngāti Ruanui) as a member for a three-year-term. Mr Pihama is an experienced broadcaster, documentary and film director-producer.
- Dr Jeremy (Tātere) MacLeod (Ngāti Kahungunu) as Deputy Chair for the remainder of his term. He has served on the board since 2019 and brings 15 years of experience in governance and Māori language revitalisation.
Te Māngai Pāho
- Reikura Kahi (Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Porou, Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Hine) as member and Chair for an 18-month term. Mrs Kahi is an independent producer in Māori television and film, and a Māori language consultant.
- Kingi Kiriona (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Apa, Ngā Rauru) as member and Deputy Chair for a three-year term. Mr Kiriona is Managing Director of Tupu Ora, which provides Māori language and capability development services to Iwi and public sector agencies.
“Today’s appointments bring a wealth of expertise in te reo Māori, education, media, and governance – all of which are essential to advancing our shared mission to revitalise our taonga, te reo Māori. These leaders will play a vital role in helping us achieve our collective aspiration: to have one million New Zealanders confidently using te reo Māori by 2040,” says Mr Potaka.
Poutama Trust
- Mark Gray (Tapuika, Ngāti Rongomai, Tūhourangi) as trustee for a five-year term. Mr Gray is an experienced corporate leader with a strong background in the legal, investment, governance, financial, energy, export and resource development sectors.
“Mark Gray’s appointment to the Poutama Trust will strengthen the Trust’s ability to provide important business development services to Māori. This is essential for creating jobs, boosting incomes and enabling whānau to achieve their aspirations.
“Since its inception, the Poutama Trust has played a key role in nurturing Māori business talent and skills, enabling greater participation in both Māori and national economic growth.”
Waitangi Tribunal
- Juliet Tainui-Hernandez (Ngāi Tahu, Te Whakatōhea) as a member for a three-year term. Ms Tainui-Hernandez is a full-time director serving on the boards of ASB Bank and Whai Rawa Fund Ltd. She also has expertise in regulatory law and Māori economic development.
“The appointment of Juliet Tainui-Hernandez will help strengthen the Waitangi Tribunal for the benefit of Māori and all New Zealanders,” Mr Potaka says.
“As the Tribunal reaches its fiftieth anniversary, it’s important we ensure the board has the right balance of skills to continue its important mahi hearing and reporting Māori treaty claims in a timely manner.”
