NGĀTI KAHUNGUNU: Appointment of Chief Executive

Thursday, 12 February 2009, 4:40 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

NGĀTI KAHUNGUNU IWI INCORPORATED

Appointment of Chief Executive

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana, takes great pleasure in announcing the appointment of Meka Whaitiri to the position of Chief Executive from 2nd March 2009.

At a recent Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc. Board Meeting, Ngahiwi reminded board members that, “The iwi is poised to achieve important outcomes for the descendants of Kahungunu. Currently there are new opportunities through contracts and joint ventures that will enable Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc to deliver worthwhile benefits to its constituents. With this in mind the Board sought strong leadership in its C.E.”

Meka Whaitiri comes with over 25 years experience in the public sector in Wellington. She has held several Senior Management positions in policy, projects and operations for a range of Departments. Her most recent role was Executive Director for the office of the Minister of Māori Affairs. Meka was a mandated Treaty negotiator for Rongowhakaata. She has attended and presented at a range of international conferences representing Aotearoa. “Meka brings a full kete of skills and experience”, Ngahiwi says.

Meka is from Kohupatiki and her mother, Mei, was the model for our beloved statue, Pania. Her father, Bill, taught at Karamu High School for a number of years and is a member of the Te Aute Trust Board. Her grandmother, Ruruhira Robin, was a very well known Kuia of Heretaunga and Tamatea. Meka was made Dux at Mangateretere Primary School and later she became Head Prefect at Karamu High School. Meka has two sons, Nohorua and Wi Rangi. Although Meka is known for her netball, she currently rows for Ngāti Toa Waka Ama Club.

Kym Hamilton, who has been acting GM for Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc for the last seven months, will return to her role as Policy and Research Manager for Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc.

Along with a new ‘Chief Executive’ Ngahiwi also stated that, “By the end of March the iwi office will be relocating to new premises in the Lowe Corporation Building in Fitzroy Avenue, Hastings. The Orchard Road location has been sold to Emerson’s Transport Ltd and the proceeds have been distributed as share capital to the Kahungunu Asset Holding Company to create greater economic development opportunities for the Iwi. An investment of $100,000 was made to the community’s ‘Little Elms’ project – providing respite amenities for whanau whose children are suffering from terminal diseases.

It is exciting times for Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc!”

ENDS

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