The new board is (from left): Troy Brown, Olive Hawira, Dr Rawiri Tinirau (deputy chairman), Tomairangi Mareikura (chairwoman), Ngapera Akapita, Dr Hinurewa Poutu and Elijah Pue.
Tomairangi Mareikura has been named the new chairwoman of Ngāti Rangi post-settlement governance entity Te Tōtarahoe o Paerangi.
Dr Rāwiri Tinirau has been appointed deputy chairman.
The central North Island iwi announced the appointments on Wednesday, following its annual general meeting and the election of four new trustees on Sunday at Raetihi Marae.
Te Tōtarahoe o Paerangi provides overall strategic direction and governance to the Ngāti Rangi Group.
The four new trustees are Dr Hinurewa Poutu, Elijah Pue, Ngapera Akapita and Troy Brown. Brown is the recently elected chairman of tribal rūnanga Te Kāhui o Paerangi.
Mareikura and Tinirau were re-elected and Te Pae Tuarā member Olive Hawira continues in her existing role, completing the seven-member governance board.
Mareikura said it was an honour to continue her service to Ngāti Rangi.
“I’m grateful for all the opportunities that have provided me with the experience to chair the board.
“I am deeply committed to Ngāti Rangi being served by a versatile, resilient and dynamic entity, one that inspires success and fosters inter-generational growth.
“I welcome the fresh energy and youthful vigour of our refreshed board and am excited for the challenges ahead.”
Mareikura first joined Ngāti Rangi Trust in 2016 through Te Kāhui o Paerangi and became an establishment trustee of Te Tōtarahoe o Paerangi when it was formed in 2018.
She has also chaired the iwi’s commercial entity, Te Kumete o Paerangi, which is tasked with preserving and growing settlement assets since 2019.
That had been a privilege, she said.
“Our celebrations are, however, tinged with the inevitable sadness in farewelling outgoing members of the board: Deb Te Riaki, Sarah Reo, Sarah Rae and our much-loved chair Whetu Moataane.
“We know that their legacy will provide an important foundation to take into the future.”
Tōtarahoe is a term for the outer part of the forest that acts as a windbreak for the rākau rangatira and their young, Mareikura said.
“I see this as a critical role for the new board as we advance forward – to protect our gains and defend our settlement.”
Te Tōtarahoe o Paerangi is made up of seven trustees: the chair of Te Kāhui o Paerangi, a pāhake representative from Te Pae Tuarā, and five trustees elected by vote of registered adult members.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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