'Iwi Appoints new Interim Chief Executive

Monday, 8 July 2013, 12:30 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

Media Release – 8 July 2013

‘Iwi Appoints new Interim Chief Executive’

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Chair, Ngahiwi Tomoana announced this week, that Dr Adele Whyte will fill the position as the Interim Chief Executive for Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, which has been vacated by the success of Meka Whaitiri in winning the Ikaroa-Rawhiti by-election as the Labour Candidate.

“Meka is the first Heretaunga ki Ngāti Kahungunu woman to hold a seat in Parliament, and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi is delighted with her achievement.  We acknowledge her family for all the hard work behind the scenes to help Meka to win the seat.  By doing this, they showed whānaungatanga in action.  Her selection to this post is a win for women, youth and families, as Meka has worked hard in these areas during her tenure leading our iwi office.  We wish her well in her new job and we know that she will have the best interests of our people and all New Zealanders at heart”.

Dr Adele Whyte has held the position of Director of Fisheries and Environment over the past three years, and has filled the position as Acting Chief Executive in Meka’s absence several times during this period.  She has also been the Acting Chief Executive since 29 April 2013, as well as fulfilling her Director’s role.

Dr Adele Whyte is from Ruahapia Marae and Ngāti Hawea hapū.  Adele attended Victoria University of Wellington and completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Ecology & Biodiversity and Genetics.  In 2000 Adele was the recipient of two prestigious scholarships.  She completed her Masters followed by her PhD research.  Adele’s master’s research investigated the origins of Maori and Pacific peoples’ using DNA.  Her PhD research investigated the use of mussels as indicators of marine pollution.

In 2006, Adele was employed by Victoria University as a lecturer and researcher in the School of Biological Sciences, and teaching courses in Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Marine Conservation.  During this time she was also acting as a technical advisor to the Kahungunu ki Uta, Kahungunu ki Tai steering group.  In 2010 Adele was employed as the Director of Fisheries and Environment Unit at Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated.

“Adele is our fourth person to fulfil the CE role, albeit in an Interim capacity at present, and is also the fourth woman to lead our people from this key position.  She brings to the job her brains, her passion for the environment, and a willingness to learn from our members, so she can find ways to meet their aspirations”.

ENDS

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