2025 Trust Board Elected Representative Candidates

Renata Blair

It would be an honour to once again
represent you on the Trust.

Over the past four years, we’ve seen strong
growth and success, and faced challenges
together. I’ve worked hard to uphold our
values and represent our iwi with pride,
whether in the commercial world, leading
karakia, supporting our iwi at Te Matatini, or
standing on the paepae to deliver whaikōrero at tangihanga.

My commitment is simple: I want the very best for our people
and for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to thrive.

I bring governance experience from serving on boards such as
AUT University, the IMSB, and Eden Park. I also represent the
Trust on Whai Rawa, where we continue to advance initiatives
such as Toi Tupu (our savings fund), and support whānau into
homeownership.

Most importantly, I remain visible and present on our marae.
I’m deeply connected to our people and would be privileged to
continue serving you.

Kei taku iwi, kei aku toto, nei noa taku manawa, e mihi atu nei.
E tupu ora ana tō tātou whenua rangatira, tō tātou reo rangatira,
me ā tātou mokopuna rangatira, me te aha, kua nui noa atu te
werohia o tō tātou iwi, o Ngāti Whātua e iwi kē atu, i tata, i tawhiti
rānō hoki.

Nā reira, tēnei ahau ko tō whanaunga e tū mataara nei, e wehi
kore nei, e rite mārika nei hoki ki te tū hei pou whakairo mō
tātou.

Neke atu i te 13 tau ahau e tū pokohiwi tahi ana me ngā toa o te
iwi i te mura o tēnei ahi e ora tonu ana i ngā piki me ngā heke. He
kanohi kitea, he reo rangona hoki i Te Paepae a te Kawau me ngā
taumata katoa o Te Kahu Tōpuni o Tuperiri, he karanga nō ngā
kaupapa hirahira o te wā.

Kua riro taku manawa i ngā kaupapa whakahirahira o te iwi,
pērā i te whakawhanaketanga o tō tātou ake reo, o tō tātou ake
hauora, o ō tātou ake pūkenga ki te ao pakihi, ki te ao ōhanga,
me ngā mahi hoki i te ao hākinakina.

Nā reira, kei taku iwi, ki te whakatū anō koutou i ahau, ka tū hoki
koutou ki taku taha, he mana nō tātou, he reo rangatira nō tātou,
he whakaaro kotahi nō tātou, mō ā tātou mokopuna te take.

Ko tō manawa, ko tōku manawa, mō Whātua i te ao, i te pō.

Precious Clark

E ngā uri o Tuperiri, he mihi maioha ki a koutou katoa.

He uri whakaheke nō Tuperiri, Āpihai Te Kawau, Te Hira Pateoro, Piupiu rāua ko Eruini Hawke, tae atu ki ōku mātua ko Patu Hawke rāua ko Nobby Clark.

Ko Precious Clark ahau, e mihi atu nei ki a koutou, ngā heru hāpai o Ngāti Whātua.

I’m seeking reappointment to maintain stability, consistency, and to continue to progress our mahi. I was raised to care about our whānau, our whenua and our future.

I stand for:

- Upholding the mana of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

- Strengthening our reo, tikanga, mātauranga and Kura-ā-Iwi

- Supporting whānau as they move through their life stages

- Driving economic success to fund whānau focussed kaupapa

Through strong collective leadership, significant achievements have been realised — from building Hawaiiki housing, growing our reo and tikanga, to hosting Te Matatini and representing proudly at America’s Cup in Barcelona. These successes are the result of having the right team making the right decisions.

Despite the progress made, the impacts of Covid and the economic recession are still being felt - making strategic, experienced, and compassionate leadership more important than ever.

The skills I bring are:

He Kanohi kitea, actively contributing to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei governance, marae and hapū activities.

A proven leader and experienced Governor, currently serving as Chair of the Auckland Museum Taumata-a-Iwi and having completed two terms on the NWŌ Trust. As CE of my business Maurea, I’ve successfully navigated Maurea through economic and political challenges to continue to improve Māori outcomes. I’m a solid contributor, always turn up ready to do the mahi and serve our whānau. I’m known for getting stuff done.

Holding degrees in Law and Arts, with international legal experience, I’ve built strong connections with business leaders, Councillors, and MPs which are actively leveraged to benefit our whānau.

Culturally astute and fluent in te reo, I’m a practitioner of tikanga, and a kaikaranga at our marae.

Commercially astute, I’ve successfully run my own business for 13 years and served on the Whai Rawa Board from 2012 – 2022 that grew our tribal net equity value by 400% to $1.2Billion. I can be trusted to provide calm leadership, support economic growth and we need growth to continue funding Iwi activities.

I will continue to work in service of our Iwi and appreciate your tautoko to do that as part of our Trust Board.

Tama Davis

Kei aku nui, kei aku rahi, nei rā te mihi ki a
tātou, ngā uri o Tuperiri.
Ko Wiremu Reweti rāua ko Kane Nepu Paora
ōku tūpuna tuatahi.

Ko Piriniha Davis rāua ko Esther Davis ōku
mātua.

Ko au te pōtiki o tā rāua hononga.
Ko Ōrākei tōku tūrangawaewae.
Ko Tama Davis ahau.

With deep roots in our whenua and whakapapa, I bring extensive
leadership experience across the health, education, and business
sectors. I am a proud member of the Institute of Directors, hold
an MBA, and have completed postgraduate studies in Māori
Business Development, Māori Performing Arts, and Health
Science.

Ōku pūkenga span from the marae to the boardrooms of major
organisations, and into the heart of our communities—through
small business ownership and mahi aroha for grassroots
initiatives.

I stand for:
- Tino rangatiratanga and cultural integrity
- Warm, healthy, and sustainable homes for our growing
whānau
- Healthy whenua and wai for future generations
- Continued investment in hauora, education, and career
pathways for our tamariki, mokopuna, and all uri o Tuperiri
Support for Māori entrepreneurship and innovation

Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou katoa. I am humbled to serve and
committed to building strong foundations for generations to
come.

Mia Jan Faiers Skipwith

Serving as an Elected Representative is a
privileged position and I am thankful to stand
as a trust board nomination.
As a child, I ran barefoot across
Takaparawhau, and although I left Tamaki
Makaurau some years ago, my whenua has
carried me through the darkest of days.

Living in Australia has given me a greater
sense of whanaungatanga & connecting with my wider whānau.
Working for an Aboriginal organisation (VACCA), allows me
to advocate for fairness, equity, transparency, accountability
& respect for my Aboriginal clients & colleagues & their lived
experiences and associated intergenerational trauma directly
caused by colonisation.

With 30+ years experience as a volunteer leader for children &
youth, & women’s welfare, I’ve seen manaakitanga (kindness,
generosity) change lives.
We are only as strong as the weakest among us.
Ko Ngāti Whātua Orākei tōku iwi
Ko Dawn Hawke tōku mama
Ko Mia Faiers Skipwith ahau

Holly Glover

Tēnei au e mihi atu nei.
Nō te taha o tōku māmā
Ko Mahuhu-ki-te-Rangi te waka
Ko Waitematā te moana
Ko Tauwhare te maunga
Ko Whititera o Rewiti me Ōrākei ngā marae
Ko Te Taou te hapū
Ko Tuperiri te tangata
Ko Povey-Uruamo te whānau
Ko Arthur Henry Povey tōku tipuna tāne
Ko Nelda Povey tōku kuia
Ko Melanie Glover tōku māmā
Nō te taha o tōku papa
Ko Horouta te waka
Ko Uawa te awa
Ko Titirangi te maunga
Ko Hauiti te marae
Ko Ngāi Tutekohi te hapū
Ko Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti te iwi
Ko William Glover tōku pāpā
Ko Holly Glover ahau.

Raised with the guidance of our kaumatua, I have carried forward
the values of honesty, integrity, and standing firm for what is
right. I bring a fresh rangatahi perspective, eager to learn and
contribute while remaining humble and guided by our tikanga.
Experience wise, I have marae governance expertise, financial
knowledge and strategic thinking alongside my daily work
with Māori communities. Confident with technology and our
developing tech world, I see opportunities to strengthen our
collective’s future while protecting our tikanga and culture. My
focus is on honouring the sacrifices of those before us, ensuring
transparency in decision-making, and listening to all voices so
that we prepare a future for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei built on truth,
trust, and collective wellbeing. I’d be honoured to receive your
vote.

Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.

Sharon Hawke

Ko Maungakiekie te maunga

Ko Tāmaki te awa

Ko Waitematā te moana

Ko Apihai Te Kawau te tangata

Ko Joseph raua ko Rene Hawke ōku mātua.

Ko Sharon Aroha Hawke tōku ingoa.

Mauri ora ki te whānau o ngā hāpu e toru- Ko Te Taoū, Te Uri Ngūtu, Ngā Oho.

I celebrate our coming together to put our hats in the ring for these elections for our Ngāti Whātua Orākei Trust board.

This will be my fourth and last time I choose to do this. Having gone through the tail end of our settlement in 2011-2012, I saw how quickly we as a village could rally together under one kaupapa. Needless to say, we had our opposers and of course we had to be accountable to all our whanau.

I have learned almost everything about pakeha governance and Kaupapa Māori governance- or Leadership at the rangatira level. My offerings to this role as elected representative is to be proactive in achieving our goals set by your leadership; assist whanau in hauora, housing, tikanga, aged care and all the other sectors we have driven for our mutual wellbeing, education and te Reo rangatira.

I have historic insights that I believe contributes to the information base of the board. I believe we are prominent in the landscape of te ao Māori and being a smaller population of whanau compared to other iwi, we still manage to "pack a hefty political punch " when needed. Our present board has been unified in ways our past boards couldn't attain. Only because we have had a lot more on our plate and had to mature very quickly.

Lastly, I am making myself available because I still have a commitment that was installed by my parents. Let's continue to be proud as uri o Tuperiri and hold our heads high for our mokopuna and uri to come.

Na Sharon Aroha Hawke. 

Otene Hopa

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Ko Otene Hopa ahau, uri nā Tarahawaiki,
uri nā Paewhenua ka heke ki ōku karani ki
a Huiterangiora (Aunty Helen Netana) ki a
Wīpāhaka (Reweti) nā rāua ka puta ko Te Tuhi
Mareikura, ka puta ko Pauline Hopa tōku
whaea.

Kua whitu tau i taku hokinga mai ki ngā
takahanga waewae ō ōku karani, nā, nō te tīmatanga o te tau kua
tūturu taku noho ki Ōrākei ki ngā whare hou e tū ana ki Hawaiki.
Katoa ō ōku kawenga i au, he mea whakaū i taku pono i taku
aroha nui ki tōku iwi. Ka mutu, kua rongo ahau i te whakapono
mai o te iwi ki au, ko konei ahau mihi nui atu ai.

Kua ora ahau i ngā āheitanga kua tukuna mai hei pīkauranga
mōku. Ko ngā mahi o te taumata kōrero tēnā, ko ngā takinga
karakia tēnā, ko te whakakanohi i te iwi ki ngā hui me ngā
kaupapa nui o te motu me te ao tēnā. Kua whai wāhi atu ahau
kia noho hei future director ki te poari o Whai Rawa, ā, kua noho
hoki hei tauira ki ngā kaupapa o Te Matakahi me Te Matatūāhu.

Nō konei kua whakaaro ake au kia tū hei kaitarahiti mo te pōari.
Ko te whāinga nui, ko te whakaū i ngā hiahia o te iwi me te
whānau e whanake ano ai tātou ki taumata kē atu. E ara he rā
hou, e ara he whanaketanga hou, Tīhei Mauri Ora!

Returning home to the hill has deepened my sense of belonging
and strengthened my responsibility to our iwi. My journey is
about coming back, reconnecting, and doing the mahi alongside
our people, finding my tūrangawaewae. I believe every whānau
member and uri o Tuperiri deserves to know and stand proudly
on theirs.

My superpower is that I have an open heart to Manaaki: Taking
time to really listen, spend time and build whanaungatanga. This
is the tūāpapa of strong connection and whanaungatanga.

As a Cultural Consultant, I spend each day bringing the corporate
world closer to the wisdom of Te Ao Māori. If elected, I will hold
us accountable to these values, ensuring that in every decision
we remember we are first and foremost an iwi and whānau
organisation. Together, we can honour our past, empower our
present, and protect our future.

Tom Irvine

Ko Ngāti Whātua te iwi
Ko Tuperiri tōku tupuna
Nā Tuperiri ko Tarahawaiiki
Nāna ko Atareta
Nāna ko Rēweti
Nāna ko Wiremu Te Whenua
Nāna ko Pāora Rēweti
Nāna ko Pirinihia Rēweti
Nāna ko Esther Viola Rēweti
Nāna ko Merekaraka Talbot
Nāna ko au, ko Tom Irvine e tono atu nei

Tenā koutou katoa me ngā mihi nui hoki e te whānau, ngā uri o
Tuperiri.

Tōku whakapapa, also connects me to Tuperiri through our
Whakaariki and Paewhenua lines. With this deep whakapapa
connection to you all, I was born to serve our whānau.

Ko au ko Ngāti Whātua, ko Ngāti Whātua ko au.

An empathetic leader with 20 years’ experience in senior
leadership roles (including 5 years at Whai Maia), combined with
a range of community, commercial and national governance
board experience. I also bring broad business contacts, strong Iwi
and Civic engagement, and sincere love of Tāmaki Makaurau and
our people.

With my broad commercial acumen, governance experience and
drive for whānau equity, I will make a positive contribution on
our Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Board.

If elected, my focus will be supporting structures, strategies
and on the ground kaupapa that ensure current and future
generations of our whānau are healthy, happy, prosperous and
are connected to our culture.

“Ka ki mai koe ki au, he aha te mea nui o te ao?
Maku e ki atu… He Tangata, He Takiwa, He Take “

Ngā manaakitanga, mauri Whātua!

Henry Kemp

Ko Wai Au
I te taha o tōku māmā
Ka moe a Tuperiri i a Kura Roa
Kia puta ake ko Tarahawaiki
Nāna ko Āpihai Te Kawau
Nāna ko Herawhakamana
Nāna ko Hāmiora Pateoro
Nāna ko Te Hira Pateoro.
Nāna ko Kirihipina Matekuri.
Nāna ko Takurauāroha Tahana.
Nāna ko Ngaroma Cullen.
Nāna ko au
Ko Henry Kemp ahau

Academic Qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts (Social Policy). Bachelor of Social Work
(Biculturalism in Practice). Certificate in Business Management.
Certificate in Rongoā Māori. Diploma in Rongoā Māori.

Current Position:
Practicing Registered Social Worker.

Governance Experience:
Pouto Topu A Ahuwhenua Trust - Secretary. Orakei Marae
Board – Chair. Rangitane Hall Committee – Treasurer. Orakei
Marae Health & Social Service Inc - Committee Member. Nā Te
Rau Aroha ō Ngā Tuākana nō Te Wao nui ō Tāne Inc – Chair.
Dargaville Community Development Board - Board Member.
Komiti Marae Orakei Trust – Current Chair.

Personal Interests:
Sailing, Muscle Cars, Camping, Fishing, and Te Taiao.

Profile Statement:
Kia ora Whanau I was born in Orakei we lived in 78 Kitemoana
Street raised old school, by a strong Waikato grandmother,
taught to live within my means, let your words and actions
align, qualified with “that’s how your Tipuna were”. Constantly
reminded of the importance of whakapapa and the obligations
associated to Tipuna, Whanau and Whenua. The obligations
associated to Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, and Kaitiakitanga,
remember those from the past, and take care of the present
for those who are to come. These principles were seared to
the memory of a young impressionable mind that has echoed
through the years of an aging adult and has formed a foundation
of my personal and professional roles and my Governance
approach.

Mauri ora.

Hana Maihi

Ko Hana Maihi tōku ingoa, nō te whanau
Maihi, Reweti hoki. I tupu ake au i raro i te
maru o oku tupuna.

Our whenua, whakapapa and tikanga have shaped my commitment to kaupapa Māori. As a proud māmā and uri of Tuperiri, the oranga of our whānau and iwi and taiao at large are at the heart of all kaupapa I dedicate myself to. My values and commitment to tupuna led and mokopuna- focused decisions have been shaped by our iwi and kaumātua growing up on the pā. I’m passionate about amplifying whānau voices and values in decision-making and bringing my diverse governance and life experience to the board.

Over most recent years and I have and continue to serve as a
trustee of Aotearoa’s largest community trust Foundation North,
overseeing and implementing our Te Tiriti commitments across
over 1.6 billion in investment and 52 million distributed across
our Tāmaki, northland region this year. I dedicated most of the
last 15 years to supporting rangatahi kaupapa and wānanga
across the motu that shaped my broader understanding of
our strengths and challenges as whānau and hapū and iwi. It
was here I made my start on grassroots boards like our Marae
Komiti that has left a lasting impression on what kaupapa Māori
governance is to me - to resource the vision of our people and
mokopuna to come.

Santana Maihi

He mokopuna ahau nā Pateoro Weneti Maihi rāua ko Puti Maihi. I pakeke mai ahau ki te tiriti o Kitemoana, ki konā whakatakotohia ai te tūāpapa mō tō mātou whānau e toku Nan me tōku Papa.

From a young age, I watched my papa, Matepurua (Matt) Maihi, carry out his role as Ōrākei Marae Manager with unwavering dedication to our people. His passion for our people continues to inspire me and has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and pride in where I come from.

With over eight years’ experience in the banking and finance sector, I’ve worked across consumer and business banking, operations, and now marketing. In my current role at one of the four major banks, in Aotearoa, I lead the brand aspect of consumer bank, while also championing Māori strategy and extra care initiatives that support our most vulnerable New Zealanders. At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to making decisions that support New Zealanders in reaching their goals - especially whānau Māori.

I accepted my cousins nomination for our Trust Board because I care deeply about the wellbeing and success of our people. I believe in the potential of every hapū member, no matter their age or aspirations and I want to play an active role in supporting that potential.

I bring with me a strong foundation of corporate knowledge, strategic thinking, generational diversity but more importantly, I bring heart. I bring a deep love for our people, a belief in our collective strength, and a commitment to serve with integrity, transparency, and ambition for what we can achieve.

Santana.

Willy-John Martin

E taku iwi o Ngāti Whātua, e aku whanaunga – Tēnā tātou.

Nā Tuperiri ko Tarahawaiki.
Nāna ko Te Tinana.
Nāna ko Hoterene.
Nāna ko Te Rārangi.
Nāna ko Wahakore Wikiriwhi.
Nāna ko Lizzie Paraone-Hemana.
Nāna ko Wiremu Wiapo Martin.
Nāna ko mātou, ko āna tamariki 14.
Ko te mātāmua ahau.

I’m truly grateful for the profound difference the support and leadership of our hapū have made in the lives of my whānau. Standing for the Trust Board is an opportunity to give back and contribute to this thriving future.

I see a future where our reo, tikanga, taiao, mātauranga and rawa grow further in strength across our hapū, supported by the best of science and technology. This can unlock new opportunities in health, education, the environment and economic success. By uniting these strengths, we can elevate our resilience and grow our prosperity, anchored in our Whātuatanga.

I bring over 20 years of experience across science, health, and technology. I have held leadership roles in Māori research investment and national policy, and hold three science degrees, including a PhD in Bioscience. My work covers areas such as biodiscovery, infectious disease, data sovereignty, and genetic technologies.

In my current role as Pou Pūtaiao, Director of Māori Science, Innovation and Technology, I help steward over $1 billion in national science investment. This has shown me how mātauranga Māori and science together can create powerful opportunities and solutions. By harnessing both, we can build on the foundations laid by our tūpuna and realise aspirations for our whānau today and for generations ahead.

I bring governance experience through chairing numerous national panels, serving on advisory groups, and contributing to kaupapa that link Māori innovation with outcomes that matter.

I commit to bringing the best of my experience, judgement, and heart to serve our people, and to strengthening the bonds that unite our whānau across Nukuroa-Aotearoa and Australia so that wherever we are, we thrive as one hapū.

David Mercer

Ko David Mercer tēnei. Chairman of Whiti Te
Rā – Reweti Marae. Son of

Tamaki, mokopuna of Tui Pairama Mu. I stand
on #tika #pono #whakapapa—truth, integrity,
and ancestral connection.

My governance journey began at 16 as Selwyn
College’s student board rep, and continues
through decades of voluntary service and
marae leadership. As Chairman, I’ve upheld strong, transparent
governance rooted in tikanga and community accountability.

Professionally, I’ve worked across film, television, and live
events—mentored by icons like Merata Mita and Don Selwyn.
From directing Waka Huia to filming ANZAC Day LIVE, my camera
honours whakapapa and cultural nuance.

I bring creative vision, solid governance, and deep commitment
to kaupapa Māori. I offer my service to strengthen our marae,
empower our people, and ensure our stories are led with
integrity and heart.
Tēnā tātou katoa.

Te Arepa Morehu

Kei aku huānga o Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, tēnā
koutou katoa.

Ko Te Arepa Morehu tōku ingoa. He uri ahau
nō Tuperiri, nō Paewhenua rāua ko
Whakaariki. Ka noho ahau ki te Papakāinga,
tata atu ki Ōrākei marae – te manawa o tō
tātou iwi. Ko te marae he kāingarua mā taku
whānau, ā, e tokorima āku tamariki kōrero
Māori e tupu ake nei i te mana tuku iho o te ahikā, me tōna
ahurea Māori.

Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori – he kupu e kawe ana i aku
mahi, i aku wawata hoki mā te iwi nei. He ngākau nui tōku ki te oranga tonutanga o ō tātou whānau, hapū, me te iwi whānui.

Kua roa au e whai wāhi ana ki ngā kaupapa o te iwi hei kaikawe, hei kaitautoko, hei ahikā. Ka tae atu ki ngā karakia, ngā pōhiri, ngā mihi whakatau, ki roto anō hoki i te wharekai. He māngai hoki ahau mō te iwi i ngā horopaki huhua puta noa i Tāmaki.

I am passionate about supporting and advocating for Ngāti
Whātua Ōrākei kaupapa across our city, often attending karakia,
pōwhiri and other hui alongside our kaumātua.

Outside of the wharenui, you may also find me on Te Kawau, in
the kitchen, or looking for my tamariki.

In my professional life, I serve as the Tumuaki Māori at Tāmaki
Paenga Hira – Auckland Museum, where I create pathways for
iwi, hapū, and whānau to be seen and heard in important spaces.
Over my career I have worked in technology, communications,
and banking, which has equipped me with a broad perspective,
as well as the finance and strategic skills needed at our top
governance table.

I currently sit on several governance boards, where I offer fresh
thinking, set strategy, and manage the hard stuff. Now, I am
seeking your support for the opportunity to do this mahi on
behalf of ngā uri o Tuperiri on the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust.

If you vote for me, you’re voting for someone who is committed
to the kaupapa, who is grounded and present in the community,
contributing to decisions and aspirations for our tamariki and
mokopuna of today, and of those to come. Karawhiua!

Ngā manaakitanga ki a koutou katoa.
Te Arepa Morehu

Bernadette Papa

He mokopuna tenei a Nanny Taku, ko Paki
Tahana raua ko Kirihipina Matekuri Pateoro
ōna mātua. Te kōtiro pōtiki a Makawe ‘Kawe’
Such (nee Cullen), ko Bernadette Papa tōku
ingoa.

Whānau comes first for me and I love to
hear about and develop solutions to whānau
needs, concerns and moemoeā. I support
efforts to ensure whānau feel connected and included wherever
we may live and when returning home to Tāmaki Makaurau, the
marae and papakāinga.

Having endured and overcome major struggles and separation as
whānau from ‘Boothill’, I stand proud of the aroha and toto that
flows through and connects us as Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. I hold
the values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and kaitiakitanga
in high regard and these should guide our governance and
decision-making.

After completing a post-graduate degree in 2002, I have worked
mainly in the kaitiakitanga and Tīriti partnerships space for iwi,
central and local government. Having worked for the Department
of Conservation and Auckland Council for well over a decade, I
have professional insight and experience to contribute.

I have been a hapū representative on the Tūpuna Maunga
Authority and former chair of the ALD Whānau Trust. I have
a passion for ngā taonga tuku iho o ngā tūpuna, especially
our raranga-whatu (weaving) arts as well as access to natural
resources to sustain our cultural practices.

Mauri ora!

Ko au te uri o Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, he uri whakatupu nō te mana o te whenua, te moana, me ngā tūpuna. I stand as a candidate for the Trust Board with a clear kaupapa: to restore trust, uphold mana, and embed tikanga into every decision that affects our whānau.

Our hapū deserves governance that is transparent, accountable, and honourable. I bring a vision of leadership rooted in tikanga Māori, guided by our tūpuna. I believe in empowering our people—not controlling them. Inclusiveness, not Exclusiveness.

As a trustee of the Komiti Marae Ōrākei Trust (KMOT), I’ve seen firsthand the impact of forensic audits. That experience informs my commitment to financial transparency and digital tools that shine light into dark corners and give our people the clarity they deserve.

I am committed to leading a values-based campaign focused on integrity, equity, and intergenerational wellbeing. That means full debt transparency, clear repayment plans, and open books—with educational pathways that help every hapū member understand their $1.6 billion company.

It means housing strategies that train and employ our own whānau to build high-quality homes—sweat equity models that create pride, skills, and ownership. Trade training will be central to a 10-year plan to grow our tribal capacity across all aspects of construction, laying the foundation for our own Tribal Construction Company.

My vision is not just for the next three years, but for the next three generations. I want our mokopuna to inherit a Trust that reflects the best of who we are: united, accountable, and guided by tikanga. Regardless of who holds these roles, the die will be cast—ensuring policies that embed our Mana Motuhake and Rangatiratanga.

I am part of a collective committed to honour, transparency, and mana-enhancing leadership. Together, we will challenge flawed systems, empower whānau ventures, and ensure our governance reflects the values of our tūpuna.

If elected, I will serve with humility, courage, and a relentless focus on outcomes that uplift our people. The time for change is now—to restore trust and build a future worthy of our mokopuna’s mokopuna.

Ngā mihi nui, Steve

Tika #Pono #Whakapapa 

Vicky Pollock

Ko Tuperiri
Ko Whakaaariki
Ko Whatarangi
Ko Tautari
Ko Wiremu Watene Tautari raua Ko Kirihipina
Pateora
Ko Taoho Watene
Ko Kiwara Taoho Watene
Ko Harry Taoho Watene
Ko au, ko Vicky Pollock

I am an artist and weaver with Te Puāwai Weavers, and a proud
member of Te Puru o Tamaki kaumātua kapa haka, and an active
member of the NWO Kaumātua Roopu.

Although I was not brought up on the papakāinga, in later years
I have found deep value and purpose in my involvement on the
marae, strengthening my connection to our people and kaupapa.

I have served as Chair of the Manukau Sister City Committee, sat
on local school boards, contributed to cultural, environmental,
and community initiatives, and served on my whanau Ahu
Whenua Trust.

These experiences have reinforced my belief that leadership
must be present kanohi ki te kanohi with whānau, listening
openly and acting with integrity. If elected, I will work with my
fellow Trustees and our community to uphold our tikanga,
protect our whenua and moana, and create opportunities for our
iwi to thrive.

Whānau mā, your vote is your voice, he waka eke noa, let us
move forward together with unity and purpose.

Anahera Rawiri

Our mokopuna and whānau deserve conditions to thrive, not just survive. That means investing in opportunities that keep us well — culturally, physically, academically and economically. We rise by lifting those who need it most.

If elected, I will focus on three pou to strengthen our iwi and create pathways for our whānau.

Pou 1 — Whānau Focus Decisions must be made from the whānau up, not Trust Board down. Only a fraction of our people are engaging — that must change. Whānau engagement isn’t optional, it’s foundational. I’ll prioritise getting out to you – whatever it takes, wherever you are. Listening, sharing and being present to support whānau in employment opportunities, health, education, sport and our culture.

I’ve delivered on these kaupapa before — from papakāinga housing, nib health insurance and Toi Tupu, across 33 locations. We can be mobile, responsive and connected. Every whānau should have the opportunity to access what’s theirs.

Pou 2 — Succession & Collective Growth We have a talented, capable whānau. I want to see us better represented in positions of influence — regionally, nationally and internationally. I’ll champion Associate roles at the Trust table and create clear pathways for whānau to have a direct voice to the Board, no matter where they are. I’ll also push for greater access to leadership forums, summits and opportunities that open doors for collective success.

Pou 3 — Rawa & Economic Prosperity With a $1.5b asset base delivering low cash returns, our economic portfolio must work harder for us. We need stronger returns so we can invest more into education, health, housing and cultural wellbeing — on our own terms. I’ll also push for better visibility of whānau-owned enterprise and transparent reporting on organisational spending.

I bring governance experience from the Waitematā Local Board, Jasmax, and the Auckland Urban Design Panel, alongside a professional career in the country’s largest architectural practice.

I stand for unlocking opportunities, growing our collective influence, and investing in ourselves — for our tamariki, our mokopuna and generations to come.

Investing in ourselves on our own terms.

Matt Rua

“Ina kite koe tētahi mea hē ki mua,
whakatikangia, ina kore ka rite koe ki taua
hē.” “If you see something wrong in front of
you, you are duty bound to correct it. If you
do not, you will become like it.”

I stand for the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust
because transparency is the foundation
of trust. My previous removal from the
Board was not for neglecting the Trust Deed, but for promoting
openness and requesting accountability.

Then, I lacked the tools I now have—tools that protect fairness
and our taonga from costly legal layers and propaganda. If
elected, I will call for a full audit, to set a clear baseline from
which integrity can grow.

With the right committed people, visibility is achievable. I will
ensure the Trust’s operations are fully transparent. Performance
ratios and true evaluation are now possible at the push of a
button.

#tika #pono #whakapapa

Michael John Steedman

Kei aku Whātua nuku, aku Whātua neke

I roto i ngā kupu, kia tau iho ngā manaakitanga ki runga ki tēnā, ki tēnā o tātou

Ko au tētahi o te whānau Reweti, me te whānau Paora

Ko Wiremu Piriniha Reweti rāua ko Maggie Davis (nee Ferrall) ōku mātua tūpuna

Ko Pikiteora Maryanne Steedman (nee Davis) rāua ko John Steedman ōku mātua, ko Barry Olsen (Ngā Puhi) hoki taku pāpā whāngai

Ko Rob, Phil aku tēina, Ko Lil taku tuahine

Ko Tui Kaumoana tōku makau

Ko Arama, Leane, Maire, Mia Aroha, Tainui aku tamariki, ko Tarahawaiki taku mokopuna

Ko Michael Steedman taku ingoa.

Tēnā tātou katoa, My governance and leadership experience is grounded in education and service to our people. For the past 16 years I have worked at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland, currently as the Kaiarataki | Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori. Prior to that I was the Kaiārahi or Senior Leader in the Faculty of Science. I belong to Te Whare Tū Tauā o Aihe under Malcolm Kerehoma, I am a kaihoe on Te Kawau waka tauā and a kaihaka of Te Puru o Tāmaki and Hātea Kapa Haka. The broad range of contributions I offer our whānau trust are:

- Commitment to positive decision-making for the benefit of all whānau.

- Strong track record in governance, strategic planning and financial management expertise.

- Commitment to positive decision-making for the benefit of all whānau.

- Dedication to developing opportunities for our people locally and globally — in education, culture, research and funding.

- Practitioner of our values and tikanga across te Kahu Tōpuni o Tuperiri, ki te ao hoki.

- Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from the University of Auckland.

I bring a depth of knowledge and extensive networks curated over 25 years in the education and research sector. I want to pay close attention to development. From our mokopuna right through to our kuia and kaumatua, we have an opportunity to grow our whānau capabilities - to best position ourselves to take advantage of future technologies and innovations.

With humility I ask for your vote to serve our whānau, uphold the mana of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and ensure our mokopuna inherit a thriving future.

Mauri ora

Graham Tipene

Tena tatou e aku Rangatira.

It has been an honour to serve on the Ngāti Whātua Orākei Trust from 2021 to 2025. In my 4 years as an elected trust member, I have been privileged to be part of the inner workings of Ngāti Whātua and help make decisions for positive future outcomes for our people. Im reminded of those who served on past Ngāti Whātua Orākei Trust Boards who made tough decisions that we are currently benefiting from. Everything Ngāti Whātua is today, is due, in part to hard decisions made by a strong board with strong leadership.

It’s this thinking that pushes me to run for this round of elections for the Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei Trust Board 2025 to 2029. The work our team has completed in the last 4 years is only part of the bigger picture and future progress of Ngāti Whātua. The new developments currently in play for Ngāti Whātua needs a team that understands the work that has been done since 2021 and before. The ability to monitor the progress with the people who helped shaped the decision seems like a win for all. With a proven track record of managing successful kaupapa for our people prior to my election I bring relevant experience that is whanau focused and kaupapa driven. The focus of kaupapa I ran was always grass roots and aimed to bring a sense of community to our people. Whether we had a cooking competition in our wharekai or trolley races down Kitemoana St with the sound of laughter from our whanau echoing down the valley. ‘Smoke kai not P’ was particularly successful and I have made 2026 the year to return these kaupapa to the people.

The last 4 years have made me realise that long term consistency at board level will fulfil the expectations of our people. To serve my people for the next 4 years will mean I can continue to offer a unique perspective for decisions being made for our people. To serve my people for the next 4 years will ensure I can continue to bring a voice to the table for those who can talk to me yet shy away from talking to others. To serve my people for the next 4 years will mean I can continue to fight for opportunities that will otherwise evade our people.

Nga Manaakitanga nui ki a tatou katoa. 

Harry Woods

Ko Tauwhare te maunga
Ko Wai-Patu-Kahu te awa
Ko Mahuhu – ki te rangi te waka
Ko Ngāti Whātua te iwi
Ko Te Taoū te hapu
Ko Reweti te marae
Ko Te Taou te whare tūpuna
Ko Tuterangi Netana raua ko Tame Akariri Pairama Mu ōku
tipuna
Ko Manuel Pairama toku koro
Ko Averil Pairama toku whaea
Ko Harry Woods ahau

Kia Ora Whanau,
I am honored to be nominated on behalf of my Pairama Mu
whanau in the 2025 NWO Trust elections. My wife and I, and
our 4 children, have been back in Auckland for 8 years, after
travelling overseas, and I have always wanted to give back to
our community by being more involved with the Iwi. I would be
honored and humbled to take this opportunity to contribute to
the development of our people, and carry on the legacy of our
tūpuna

I bring a depth of commercial, executive, and governance
experience to serve our whānau with integrity and purpose. With
over 20 years in senior leadership roles across global businesses
and high-growth Aotearoa-based enterprises, I’ve led strategic
transformation, commercial growth, and long-term value creation
for a diverse range of stakeholders.

I currently serve on multiple boards, and I have been the director
of several businesses in Aotearoa and overseas, bringing
strong financial acumen, risk management capability, and a
commitment to sustainable impact.

My governance approach is anchored in tikanga, transparency,
and whanaungatanga, ensuring that decisions uplift the collective
and honour our tūpuna. I offer a steady hand, a clear commercial
lens, and a deep commitment to advancing the aspirations of
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei — from intergenerational wealth creation to
social, cultural, and environmental wellbeing.

I stand for strong, accountable leadership that listens, leads with
aroha, and protects our taonga for future generations.

Ngā Mihi,
Harry Woods