Our People

Representative trustee for Te Whakaki Nui a Rua Kahui and Chair of the Trust. Pieri has had a long career in the NZ Police including appointments as the Deputy Chief Executive Iwi and Community and Superintendent. Pieri held the position of Te Pou Whakarae (Māori Partnerships Group Manager) at Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

Representative trustee for Rongomaiwahine Iwi Kāhui. Moana Rongo, is a respected iwi leader dedicated to social, cultural, environmental, and economic wellbeing in Te Wairoa. He brings governance expertise, champions kaitiakitanga, and drives strategic development and sustainable, tikanga-based growth for iwi aspirations.

Lead Negotiator for the Treaty settlement for Ngā Iwi me Ngā Hapū o Te Rohe o Te Wairoa, John brings more than 30 years’ experience across Māori governance, public service, health and tertiary education. He currently serves as Deputy Director-General Māori Health at the Ministry of Health and has held senior leadership roles across the education sector. Raised in Nūhaka, John has dedicated his career to advancing the aspirations, wellbeing and mana motuhake of Wairoa whānau, hapū and iwi.

Representative trustee for Ngā Tokorima a Hinemanuhiri Kāhui. Irah is the current Operations Manager for his Kahui and is the owner of Heyder Industries Limited, a company based in Wairoa. His contributions to the community include journalism, work at the Tairāwhiti Community Law Centre and Korou Limited, a digital production company for rangatahi.

Representative trustee for Te Wairoa Tapokorau Whānui Kāhui. He plays a significant role in the governance and strategic direction of the trust, contributing to the well-being and development of our whanau in the Wairoa community. Phil is passionate about gathering kai from the ngahere, awa and moana. He has a keen interest in whakapapa and matauranga of iwi and hapu.

Representative trustee for Te Hononga o Nga Awa Kāhui. She has been actively involved in the recovery efforts following Cyclone Gabrielle, working tirelessly to support her community. Michelle is also the chairwoman of the Body Representing Māori interests in Wairoa (BRM) and advocates for cultural and spiritual values.  She has served as a Trustee of her Marae, Hinemihi for well over a decade. Her commitment to preserving the sanctity of the Wairoa River and ensuring the well-being of her community has made her a respected figure in the region.

Lee is a Māori strategic transformation leader and leads Deloitte New Zealand’s National Māori Services Group. He has extensive experience across Māori governance, commercial negotiations, transactions, finance and Māori-Crown relationships, and has previously advised Tātau Tātau on the establishment of the group. Through his kuia, he descends from Whakakī.

Rangi has been Chief Executive of the Wairoa Waikaremoana Māori Trust Board since 1990 and brings more than 30 years’ experience across iwi and Māori organisations, commercial entities, farming, asset management and community development. He has extensive experience in governance, organisational leadership, commercial negotiation and stabilising organisations through periods of change.

Benji brings more than 25 years’ experience in business management, property development and strategic stakeholder engagement, including extensive experience in Australia. His background includes project management, data analytics and large-scale development initiatives, alongside a strong commitment to Te Wairoa.